The Impact of South Asian Dance on Engagement, Independent Movement and Social Skills for Autistic Children

Due to the heterogeneity of results and children's experiences within the dance activity, broad assumptions about impact are difficult. Individual improvements were noted for many learners in engagement, independent movement, range of motion and co-ordination as well as a reduction in avoidance behaviours. This study adds to developing research into dance for autistic children, providing a unique focus on South Asian Dance forms which may provide a wealth of new creative movement vocabulary for teachers and parents.