AUTISM MOVEMENT THERAPY® TRAINING
Autism Movement Therapy® (AMT) is a structured method using movement and music to engage and stimulate the brain, particularly in individuals with autism. It is designed to improve cognitive processing, aid sensory processing and enhance communication and motor skills ultimately supporting children, young people and adults with autism or related differences in navigating the challenges they face related to their condition.
Founded by Joanne Lara, Autism Movement Therapy® (AMT) is an established evidence based
movement and music method for teaching autistic individuals.
Find out more here
There are two stages of training for an individual to reach Professional level and run community AMT classes or lead sessions for an external organisation and these are as follows:
- Stage 1 Certification: a 2 day in-person intensive training workshop where the objectives are to teach participants the scientific background plus the tools and techniques used in an Autism Movement Therapy® programme.
- Stage 2 Professional Level Qualification: a modular process where each element is mentored and formally accessed over a three-month minimum period before the individuals is licensed to practice as an AMT qualified professional and be included on the AMT Professional Register.
MovementWorks® hosts regular AMT Stage 1 Certified Training Workshops
alongside of the modular AMT Stage 2 Professional Level Qualification.
MovementWorks® training is endorsed by world leaders in the field of autism and special education
STAGE 1: CERTIFICATION
2 DAY INTENSIVE TRAINING WORKSHOP
The initial 10 hour minimum training takes place over two days, normally a weekend. Due to the practical and interactive components, it can only be taken in person. The objective is to teach you the scientific background plus the tools and techniques used in an Autism Movement Therapy® programme. The methodology will be explained and practised. During the training participants will experience two full sessions of Autism Movement Therapy® and learn how to differentiate for the level of need of groups and individuals.
Learning Outcomes:
- Participants will gain deeper knowledge about autism, brain function, the relationship of movement and cognition and how the AMT method specifically benefits autistic individuals.
- Participants will learn how the elements and strategies combine to create an effective Autism Movement Therapy® session and the tools needed to create a multi person performative sharing based at their own facility/school.
After completing Stage 1, you will receive official Autism Movement Therapy® materials including the licensed music. We encourage you to lead AMT sessions with your children/class/group to better support them and practise delivering the method.
Stage 1 Certification by itself is not a Professional Qualification but it can be considered as the first step
Stage 1 Certificate Holders must complete the Stage 2 Professional Qualification Programme to be able to use the official
Registered Name, Logo and/or advertise/charge publicly for Autism Movement Therapy® (AMT) services.
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
Informed by scientific and academic research, this workshop style training is open to all i.e.
- Parent / Carers
- Educators (Teachers, Teaching Assistants)
- SEN Teachers / SENCO's
- Healthcare professionals
- Professionals from other disciplines
- Dance and movement practitioners from all backgrounds
- Anyone who has an interest in autism and wants to learn more about how best to support autistic individuals through a dance movement approach
Note: No previous dance experience required
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
Interest in/experience of supporting an individual/individuals with an autistic spectrum condition.
STAGE 2: PROFESSIONAL LEVEL QUALIFICATION
MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME, ASSESSMENT AND LICENSING (IN PERSON OR VIRTUAL)
Taken over a three-month minimum period, the professional qualification process is modular. Each element is mentored and formally assessed in order to be licensed to practice as an AMT qualified professional and be included on the AMT Professional Register.
There should be a minimum of six months between Stage 1 Certification and undertaking the Autism Movement Therapy® Professional Qualification Programme. Those enrolled are expected to have practised and be confident/proficient in the delivery of all the elements and strategies covered in Stage 1 with a group of autistic students ideally with differing levels of need.
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
Completion certificate of AMT Stage 1 Certification Training, identity and DBS checks.
Successful participants:
- will receive a MovementWorks AMT Professional Level certificate recording the hours of teaching practice completed during the course
- will be able to run community AMT classes or lead sessions for an external organisation
- may be eligible for employment as a contractual MovementWorks teacher
- inclusion on the MovementWorks website
If you are AMT Certified/have completed Stage 1 contact us to find out more about the Professional Qualification course work, assessment and licensing process, professional registration and costs.
Our next Autism Movement Therapy® Stage 1: Certification Training Workshops
Pittsburgh, USA: Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th October 2026
(Open for bookings!)
You can book your place from the following link
MovementWorks Online Shop
London: March 2027
Please register your interest to be first to receive the details!
Or if you require further information you can email us direct or complete the form below:
When completing the form, please include:
- Your name
- Your contact details (email and preferred contact number)
- Which course you are interested in (London or Pittsburgh)
- Provide details of your organisation / role or any information you would like to include
Thank You
MovementWorks is a registered Charity.
Contact us about fundraising initiatives and partnerships.
