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Autism is a term that elicits a great deal of inquiry and perplexity. Often misunderstood, it encompasses three primary symptoms: difficulties in socialization, communication and behavior. The spectrum of this disorder is broad (one might even assert that there are as many forms of autism as there are individuals with autism), and the challenges these individuals face in adapting to society are considerable.
A major obstacle is related to physical contact; those with autism seldom establish or outright reject physical contact, and some struggle to discern their bodily boundaries. Another issue is connected to eye contact; individuals with autism often avoid visual engagement, leading to difficulties in attention. Since they do not utilize eye contact to communicate, it becomes challenging for them to create the appropriate associations of ideas, images, and causal relationships. Additionally, while those with autism indeed experience emotions such as anger, fear, joy or sadness, they do not express them in the same manner as others. Their frustration can lead to inappropriate or even exaggerated reactions, such as self-aggression (hitting, biting oneself) or aggression towards others (biting, scratching, hitting, etc.).
Various approaches have proven effective, and among them, dance and movement have enjoyed significant success. Dance may be utilized as a physical practice, but its therapeutic aspect is primarily exploited (as seen in my previous article on dance therapy), with movement approached as a method for assessment and development.
Sessions must be tailored to the individual’s needs, or, if they can attend a traditional class, they will require special attention. A therapist may work with an autistic individual one-on-one, focusing on their individual requirements, or with several in a small group. Researchers Emmanuelle Roncin and Monique Loquet explain that the engineering aimed at young autistic individuals has a dual purpose:
- To develop the ability to communicate and act cooperatively,
- To incorporate social knowledge related to the non-verbal expression of emotions and feelings.
The most vital aspect is the initial contact with the autistic individual, the crucial “entry point” that allows for connection. This must be initiated from where the autistic person is, adapting to them, learning their worldview to build a relationship. It is also essential to remember that individuals with autism search for immutability and preservation, making it less straightforward to engage them in improvisation or free bodily expression. Offering a reassuring framework and a well-structured approach is key.
Effects on Social Interaction and Communication
Through dance and movement, an autistic person can express emotions and desires (often a difficult task for them), thereby liberating themselves from the frustration of not being able to externalize them in social interactions. Thus, the physical approach helps the development of the relational skills of the autistic person, enhancing communication and behavior.
Effects on Empathy and Socialization
In dance, synchronizing movements to music and other individuals is essential. Another significant element is kinesthetic empathy, where an observer feels in their own body the movement of the person dancing. As Professor Vittorio Gallese explains, when a person observes another’s physical and emotional state, the same mirror neuron structures are activated in both subjects. Hence, our own bodies communicate information about the behavior of those around us, which plays a crucial role in empathy development. Dance can thus facilitate the process of socialization and sensitivity to others.
Effects on Bodily Unity and Motor Skills
One obstacle faced by many individuals with autism is a lack of awareness of their own bodies; often, they are unaware of their body’s limits or even that it forms a whole. Since dance engages various senses (sight, hearing and sometimes touch) as well as movement and spatial awareness, it can enhance overall motor skills and replace the sensation of a fragmented body with a unified one.
Dance is one tool that, to some extent, can “break the shell of autism,” as stated by Francoise Doroq, director of the association APTE Music for Autistic People. It provides individuals with autism the opportunity to open a door to themselves, a door to others, and may assist them in finding the path to harmony.
