An Implementation of Preference Assessment in Dance/movement Therapy for Children with Autism and Related Disorders.

Abstract

Dance props, such as hula hoops, ribbons and sensory gym balls, are often used in dance/movement therapy (DMT) to support the development of a positive relationship between a client and dance practitioner. This study looks to combine DMT with applied behaviour analysis by utilising preference assessments, and to determine the outcomes of three children with autism and related disorders with the used of preferred dance props. The social engagement and stereotypic behaviours of the children are measured in this study. A further question is whether caregivers’ quality of life improved when their children participated in DMT. A single-subject alternating treatment design evaluating three children’s behaviour during DMT was implemented. Qualitative measures such as Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System - Third Edition (ABAS-3) and World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF) were used. Pre and post treatment, 60-seconds of video footages was analysed using the Laban movement analysis (LMA)/Kesternberg movement profile (KMP). The study findings show that preference assessment was successfully incorporated into DMT sessions. There was no change in social engagement and stereotypic behaviours for all three children. Nonetheless, the movement analysis from the video footage shows there was an improvement in movement quality and use of kinaesthetic space. There was also a perceived likeability of DMT interventions among the children’s caregivers. The implications and factors affecting this study’s outcome are discussed. Dance therapists could potentially implement DMT sessions with or without dance props. Researchers could consider collaborative approaches to improve children’s social engagement skills.