Dance for Autism Spectrum Disorder

(ASD Trial)

Overseen By Andrew Ho, MOT

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: Loma Linda University

Disqualifiers: No IEP Autism, Age 7-11

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study will explore the effectiveness of dance as an intervention to promote social-emotional health within children with ASD.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Hip-Hop Dance, Street Dance, Urban Dance, Breakdancing, B-Boying, B-Girling for Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Research on creative movement therapies, including dance, shows potential benefits for individuals with autism, particularly in improving social communication and motor skills. However, there is limited specific evidence on dance-based approaches, suggesting a need for more studies to confirm these effects. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How is the Hip-Hop Dance treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder different from other treatments?

Hip-Hop Dance is unique for Autism Spectrum Disorder as it combines physical activity with social interaction, helping improve communication, functional independence, and social behavior. Unlike traditional therapies, it offers a fun, engaging way to enhance motor skills and quality of life through expressive movement. ^{5 6 7 8 9}

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, aged 7-11, who can follow instructions and participate in group activities. They must have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for autism, be able to focus for at least 5 minutes, speak English, and physically take part in dance without special equipment.

Inclusion Criteria

Parent/caregiver/guardian must provide proof of IEP and eligibility

Parent/caregiver/guardian must provide proof of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) with a Primary Eligibility of Autism

Answer yes to the following Skillset Checklist (Per parent/caregiver/guardian report): Follow 1- and 2-step instructions, Follow structured activities with supervision (e.g., visual schedule, routine), Previous participation in extracurricular group activities over the last 6 months - 1 year (e.g., structured sports), Minimum 5-minutes of attention to task

Exclusion Criteria

No IEP Primary Eligibility of Autism

I am not a child older than 11.

I am older than 7 years.

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in a 7-week occupational therapy led hip-hop dance program to promote social-emotional health

7 weeks

1 visit per week (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in social-emotional behavior through post-assessment and parent interviews

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Hip-Hop Dance (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial Overview The study is testing if hip-hop dance can help improve social-emotional health in kids with ASD. It's seeing whether dancing as a group activity makes a positive difference in their emotional well-being and ability to interact socially.

Participant Groups

Group I: Hip-Hop Dance Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The program will be a 7-week occupational therapy led dance program utilizing hip-hop dance as an intervention. Subjects with ASD will dance for 1 time a week for 60 minutes, ending with a dance showcase on the final week.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Loma Linda University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

322

Recruited

267,000+

Findings from Research

A review of 72 studies involving 1,939 participants with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) found that Creative Movement Therapies (CMT), particularly music and martial arts, significantly improve social communication skills and motor and cognitive skills.

While there is promising evidence for the benefits of CMT in ASD, particularly with music and martial arts, more rigorous research is needed to fully understand its effects across all developmental domains.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Creative Movement Therapies on Social Communication, Behavioral-Affective, Sensorimotor, Cognitive, and Functional Participation Skills of Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Amonkar, N., Su, WC., Bhat, AN., et al.[2023]

The 'Creatively Able' music and movement intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was designed to cater to children's needs and preferences, promoting engagement and potentially improving behaviors.

In pilot studies involving 20 children with ASD, the intervention led to group-level reductions in stereotyped and compulsive behaviors by 8% and 4%, respectively, highlighting individual variability in responses to the program.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Beyond Broadway: Analysis of Qualitative Characteristics of and Individual Responses to Creatively Able, a Music and Movement Intervention for Children with Autism. Lakes, KD., Neville, R., Vazou, S., et al.[2023]

In a study involving 64 children with autism spectrum disorder, those who participated in a 10-week therapeutic horseback riding (THR) program showed sustained reductions in irritability and improvements in social and communication behaviors six months after the intervention ended.

The THR group maintained 73% of the initial efficacy in reducing irritability, while significant improvements in social skills and language use were also observed, indicating that THR may have lasting benefits for children with autism.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Long-Term Effect of Therapeutic Horseback Riding in Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Trial. Gabriels, RL., Pan, Z., Guérin, NA., et al.[2023]

Participation in 15 minutes of aerobic exercise before classroom activities significantly improved the number of correct responses in academic tasks for young children with autism spectrum disorder, based on a crossover study design across 4 classrooms.

However, the exercise did not lead to significant changes in on-task behavior or stereotypic behaviors, suggesting that while exercise can enhance academic performance, it may not affect all aspects of classroom engagement.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effects of aerobic exercise on academic engagement in young children with autism spectrum disorder. Oriel, KN., George, CL., Peckus, R., et al.[2011]

A pilot study involving 72 autistic children and adolescents showed that a 24-session dance intervention significantly improved communication and social cognition compared to a control group, indicating its potential as an effective therapeutic approach.

The dance practice also led to a notable reduction in autistic behaviors, suggesting that engaging in dance can enhance social interaction and functional independence for individuals with varying support needs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A pilot randomized controlled clinical trial of dance practice for functionality in autistic children and adolescent with all levels of need support. Teixeira-Machado, L., Arida, RM., Ziebold, C., et al.[2022]

Parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) reported that the Ballet for All Kids program provides significant psychological, physical, and social benefits, highlighting the effectiveness of dance as a therapeutic intervention.

The program's success is attributed to its authentic ballet training and personalized support, which foster skill development and interpersonal relationships, indicating a strong demand for recreational dance programs tailored for children with ASD.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Parents' long-term experiences in a recreational dance program for their children with autism spectrum disorder. Alon, N., Wheaton, MG., Schlachte, B., et al.[2023]

Participants with cerebral palsy reported transformative experiences in dance classes, describing a journey from feeling physically limited to 'unlocking' their bodies and developing a dancer's identity.

Engaging in dance not only fostered personal connections but also enhanced social integration, suggesting that inclusive dance practices can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Experience of Dancing Among Individuals with Cerebral Palsy at an Inclusive Dance Group: A Qualitative Study. Lentzari, L., Misouridou, E., Karkou, V., et al.[2023]

The study involved 11 children with Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder who participated in a 16-session dance program, which led to improvements in functional independence across various domains such as self-care and communication.

Parents reported enhancements in their children's quality of life, including better physical health, mental health, and social aspects, indicating that regular dance practice can positively influence psychosocial development in these children.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dance, functioning and quality of life in children with Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder dance, functioning and quality of life in Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. Adorno, ET., Dos Santos, DCJ., DeJesus, BM., et al.[2022]

A systematic review of five studies involving 266 individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) found that dance practice positively influences negative symptoms such as empathy, emotional expression, and social reciprocity.

Dance techniques that involve mirroring, synchronization, and rhythm can enhance body awareness and social involvement in adults with normal to high-functioning ASD, suggesting a therapeutic benefit of dance in improving communication skills.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dance promotes positive benefits for negative symptoms in autism spectrum disorder (ASD): A systematic review. DeJesus, BM., Oliveira, RC., de Carvalho, FO., et al.[2020]

References

1. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Creative Movement Therapies on Social Communication, Behavioral-Affective, Sensorimotor, Cognitive, and Functional Participation Skills of Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. [2023]

2. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Beyond Broadway: Analysis of Qualitative Characteristics of and Individual Responses to Creatively Able, a Music and Movement Intervention for Children with Autism. [2023]

3. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Long-Term Effect of Therapeutic Horseback Riding in Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Trial. [2023]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effects of aerobic exercise on academic engagement in young children with autism spectrum disorder. [2011]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A pilot randomized controlled clinical trial of dance practice for functionality in autistic children and adolescent with all levels of need support. [2022]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Parents' long-term experiences in a recreational dance program for their children with autism spectrum disorder. [2023]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Experience of Dancing Among Individuals with Cerebral Palsy at an Inclusive Dance Group: A Qualitative Study. [2023]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dance, functioning and quality of life in children with Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder dance, functioning and quality of life in Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. [2022]

9. Scotland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dance promotes positive benefits for negative symptoms in autism spectrum disorder (ASD): A systematic review. [2020]