Late Night Health

Autism Spectrum is a disorder identified through such symptoms as repetitive behaviors/movements, lack of eye contact/facial affect changes, and associated changes in the body in regards to regulation and socialization, said Dr. Lori Baudino, licensed clinical Psychologist and Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist.Dr. Baudino treats her autistic patients through Dance/Movement therapy (DMT). “DMT incorporates ways for the child to feel accepted on a body level, for parents to understand a child's nonverbal and verbal communication, and to join through the body to co-regulate and engage the child for daily living skills and socialization” she explained.DMT involves movement ranging from simple breathing to jumping, running, gross motor skills and even watching movement. Dance/Movement provides autistic children the opportunity to gain control and express their feelings.Dr. Baudino calls the outcome of this therapeutic modality “Having Body Knowledge”. “The Body Knowledge enables children to focus on thei