What Is Autism Movement Therapy® (AMT)?
Founded by Joanne Lara, Autism Movement Therapy® is an established movement and music method for teaching individuals with autism.
AMT offers an innovative, energetic and structured approach that stimulates the brain, aids sensory processing, develops communication and motor skills and supports challenges associated with autism, all while having fun!
Reflecting a growing interest in the brain-body connection and incorporating helpful support strategies, AMT is an exciting approach which complements other therapeutic techniques for children on the autistic spectrum and has children meeting and achieving their speech, social and academic goals.
MovementWorks because movement wires
Advocates of this method include Dr. Temple Grandin and Dr. Stephen Shore
MovementWorks is the global lead for Autism Movement Therapy® and has a certified team of AMT teachers. Initially they are required to have Stage 1 Certification and then undergo the only AMT Stage 2 Professional Level Training with MovementWorks in the UK, which includes ongoing CPD training and assessment. This provides quality assurance for Schools/Groups wanting to provide a programme of Autism Movement Therapy and is an effective progression route from MovementWorks Developmental Dance Movement® (DDM) as AMT is suitable for older children (aged 7) all the way up to adults.
Key Aspects of Autism Movement Therapy:
- Brain Stimulation: AMT actively stimulates the brain through rhythmic movements and musical activities, promoting cognitive development and function
- Sensory Processing: It helps individuals on the spectrum to better process and regulate sensory information, which can be particularly challenging for those with autism
- Communication and Motor Skills: AMT focuses on developing communication abilities, both verbal and non-verbal, as well as enhancing motor skills through movement and dance
- Structured Approach: AMT utilizes a structured and energetic approach, often incorporating music and dance, to create a stimulating and engaging learning environment
- Holistic Approach: It complements other therapeutic interventions and aims to support individuals in achieving their speech, social, and academic goals
- Relationship Building: AMT can also foster stronger connections between individuals and therapists through shared movement and engagement
Benefits of Autism Movement Therapy®:
- Improved Cognitive Function: By stimulating the brain, AMT can enhance cognitive processing and function
- Enhanced Communication: The structured approach and use of movement can facilitate communication development, both verbally and non-verbally
- Improved Sensory Regulation: AMT can help individuals on the spectrum to better manage and regulate sensory input, leading to greater comfort and stability
- Increased Social Interaction: Through shared movement and interaction, AMT can foster social engagement and relationship development
- Greater Self-Expression: AMT can encourage individuals to express themselves through movement, which can be particularly helpful for those who may have difficulty communicating verbally.
History
The first research-based international ‘Dance Workshop for Autism' was held by Ms. Lara and Ms. Golding at Rambert in London in the spring of 2016. Invitations followed to feature together at the U.K Autism Show, at the New York Expressive Arts Summit and the National Autistic Society International Congress.
Subsequent conferences have also been delivered alongside Dr Stephen Shore including
a certified course on Autism accredited by Adelphi University
Brent Knoll in LBO Lewisham was the first London ASD specific school to pilot an all-through-school approach.
The Developmental Dance Movement® Programme was already established in the Brent Knoll curriculum following the success of the pilot and AMT is now offered to younger secondary classes. Other schools are also adopting the all-through-school approach as taught by the MovementWorks team.
A partnership with Greenwich University sees a new wave of the evidence base for the work
presented at the World Conference on Movement and Cognition.
MOVEMENTWORKS® GLOBAL LEAD FOR AUTISM MOVEMENT THERAPY®
NEXT TRAINING DATES:
SATURDAY 10TH AND SUNDAY 11TH OCTOBER 2026
DEPTFORD LOUNGE, LONDON. SE8 4RJ
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR AUTISM MOVEMENT THERAPY®TRAINING PAGE
Joanne Lara - Founder Autism Movement Therapy®
3rd June 1952 - 9th June 2020
Joanne dedicated her life’s work to improving the lives of individuals with autism through movement and music
A core adjunct professor at National University in LA, California, Joanne helped design the American Autism Certificate. She earned her Master’s in special education, Moderate/Severe and Multiple Disabilities from California State University and her BA in Dance from the University of South Florida. With a CCTC California, Moderate/Severe Education Specialist, K–12 teaching credential Joanne taught in the LAUSD for over ten years, where she worked exclusively with autistic students.
Her advocacy led to the founding of the non-profit organisation Autism Movement Therapy® based in Los Angeles; Joanne shared her knowledge globally and was recognised across the world as an Autism Expert. Ali Golding, our Creative Director, feels proud to have presented with Joanne in the U.S, the U.K and Asia; as an organisation, MovementWorks® has been privileged to have Joanne as an Ambassador and an Advisor.
A huge advocate for the power of the arts as intervention Joanne produced the documentary, 'Generation A: Portraits of Autism and the Arts' with Temple Grandin, Stephen Shore, Ed Asner and others. She was the Autism Consultant/Technical Advisor for Kiefer Sutherland’s FOX TV show 'Touch' and disability advisor for Hilary Clinton including creating strategy for disability employment.
Joanne was also a columnist for Autism Asperger’s Digest and wrote the methods book Autism Movement Therapy® Method:Waking up the Brain! and Teaching Pre Employment Skills to 14-17 Year Olds: The Autism Works Now Method for Jessica Kingsley Publishers, London.
Legacy: "Everyone deserves a seat at the table!"
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