Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal
Vol-03, Issue-01 (Jan-Mar 2025)
An International scholarly/ academic journal, peer-reviewed/ refereed journal, ISSN : 2960-0006
Dance Therapy as a Multisensory Stimulation Approach for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Kumar, Sandeep
Professor of Chemistry, and ‘by courtesy of psychology’, NIILM University Kaithal, Haryana
Page Number: pp. 145-154
Subject: Therapeutic Arts / Special Education / Psychology
Received: Nov 05, 2024
Accepted: Dec 25, 2024
Published: Jan 01, 2025
Thematic Classification: Dance/Movement Therapy; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Multisensory Interventions
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and sensory processing abnormalities. Dance therapy, or dance/movement therapy (DMT), is an innovative intervention that utilizes the therapeutic potential of movement and rhythm to address these core difficulties. This paper explores how dance therapy, as a multisensory stimulation approach, can improve sensory integration, social skills, emotional regulation, and overall well-being in individuals with ASD. The paper also examines evidence-based outcomes, implementation strategies, and future research directions to maximize the potential of dance therapy in ASD intervention.
Keywords: ASD, dance therapy, academic performance, multisensory
Impact Statement
Sustaining the wellbeing for children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be highly demanding. Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP), a form of psychotherapy with a non-verbal character, may present as a relevant intervention option for this group of children. DMP intervention has shown promising results on the social and emotional wellbeing of children with ASD. DMP Interventions can improve sensory integration, social skills, emotional regulation, and overall well-being in individuals with ASD. This research provides a scope for future research in the area.
About The Author
Dr Sandeep Kumar is working as Professor of Chemistry and ‘by courtesy of psychology’ NIILM University Kaithal Haryana, and have more than two decades experience in teaching, research, curriculum development, counselling and leadership. His areas of interest are chemical education, research, behavioural science, teacher education and practices. As resource person, he has conducted more than 225 training programs for the school and higher education teachers. He has been awarded with numerous prestigious National and International Awards. He has participated and presented research articles in more than 200 National and International conferences. He has been invited as keynote speaker, guest of honour, conference chair, and resources person in various National and International Conferences. He is associated with various National and International Organizations.
Cite this Article
APA: Kumar, S. (2025). Dance Therapy as a Multisensory Stimulation Approach for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, 03(01), 145–154. https://doi.org/10.59231/edumania/9102
MLA: Kumar, Sandeep. “Dance Therapy as a Multisensory Stimulation Approach for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).” Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, vol. 03, no. 01, 2025, pp. 145–154. Crossref, doi:10.59231/edumania/9102.
Chicago: Kumar, Sandeep. “Dance Therapy as a Multisensory Stimulation Approach for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).” Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal 03, no. 01 (January 2025): 145–154. https://doi.org/10.59231/edumania/9102.
Statements & Declarations
APA: Kumar, S. (2025). Dance Therapy as a Multisensory Stimulation Approach for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, 03(01), 145–154. https://doi.org/10.59231/edumania/9102
MLA: Kumar, Sandeep. “Dance Therapy as a Multisensory Stimulation Approach for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).” Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, vol. 03, no. 01, 2025, pp. 145–154. Crossref, doi:10.59231/edumania/9102.
Chicago: Kumar, Sandeep. “Dance Therapy as a Multisensory Stimulation Approach for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).” Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal 03, no. 01 (January 2025): 145–154. https://doi.org/10.59231/edumania/9102.
Statements & Declarations
Peer Review: This article has undergone a double-blind peer review process, conducted by experts in Dance/Movement Therapy, Clinical Psychology, and Special Education.
Competing Interest: The author, Sandeep Kumar, declares no competing interests.
Data Availability: The data supporting the findings of this study, including therapy session observations and assessment results, are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
License: This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0.
Ethical Approval: Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee of the author’s institution. Written informed consent was obtained from the parents/guardians of all participating children with ASD. The study adhered to the highest ethical standards for research involving vulnerable populations, ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of all participants throughout the therapeutic intervention.
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