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Varshney 1 Geetika Varshney Professor Tuato’o English TA 5 October 2023 Dance Is Therapy After reading the article "Dance and Autism: The Effects of Dance Movement Therapy on Communication and Social Skills of Children with Autism", I found myself feeling quite inspired. As someone who loves dance and movement, it was heartwarming to learn about the benefits dance can provide for children with autism. The article effectively highlighted how dance movement therapy (DMT) can be used as an intervention tool to improve social, emotional, and communication skills. The case studies showcased the improvements made by the children after undergoing DMT. For example, the young boy Robbie became more engaged with his surroundings and started reacting to facial expressions after dancing sessions. Similarly, the little girl Sarah began initiating contact with others and her eye contact improved drastically. These examples demonstrate the power of dance to connect with children, stimulate their senses, and allow them to express themselves in new ways. One aspect I found particularly interesting was how DMT utilizes movement and music to tap into areas of the brain not accessed through traditional therapies. As the article explained, music and rhythmic motion help autistic children concentrate and stay regulated. I can understand how structured dance activities provide a way for these children to safely explore movement and build confidence. Dance is such a universal language - it makes complete sense that it could help autistic youth express themselves, interact

Varshney 2 positively with others, and gain greater body awareness. The researchers also made a compelling case for starting dance therapy early, as developing these skills young can allow autistic children to be more prepared for social situations down the line. I appreciated how the article emphasized tailoring dance interventions to meet the child's specific needs. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, but rather individualized therapy centered on their challenges. Overall, this article emphasized the promising role dance can play in improving quality of life for children on the autism spectrum .As someone who has danced with autistic children, this article resonated with me on a profound level. I have witnessed firsthand the joy and creativity that movement can spark in them. Dancing alongside these children has shown me their incredible capacity for self-expression through rhythm and body language. I will never forget the uplifted mood, beaming smiles, and carefree laughter that emerge during our dance sessions. Reading about the benefits of dance movement therapy filled my heart with optimism and validation. I am a firm believer in dance as a powerful modality for human connection and therapeutic growth. The dramatic improvements described in this article align perfectly with the moments of engagement, confidence, and article I have shared with autistic youth through dance. Expanding dance interventions for these children could make a world of difference. Their innate talent for movement deserves to be nurtured. I am now even more compelled to continue dancing with autistic youth and advocating for dance movement therapy. The possibilities are endless when we embrace creative arts that allow our shared humanity to shine On a personal level, this article resonated with me as a dancer. I have experienced firsthand how movement and dance can uplift mood, reduce anxiety, and promote self-confidence. Dance provides a way to connect mind and body - it is truly therapeutic. After reading this, I am even more convinced that dance movement therapy warrants greater attention. I hope to see more widespread implementation of these types

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