Abstract
Body image has rarely been investigated in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Recent advances in embodiment research on nonverbal improvements in ASD have encouraged the investigation of this topic. In the context of the clinical study on autism and schizophrenia in the Heidelberg Node of the TESIS-network, we investigated the effects of dance movement therapy (DMT) on body image in autism with the Body-Image-Sculpture-Test (Korperbildskulpturtest, KST;. We applied the KST as a primarily nonverbal test where the participants’ task was to form a human figure from clay within ten minutes and without visual feedback. Ten young adults with ASD participated in the KST before and after ten weekly sessions of dance movement therapy in a professional rehabilitation and training institution in Southern Germany. Results show a significant improvement at post-test on all five dimensions of the KST: proportions, dimensions, connectedness, completion, and surface quality. Evidence is limited due to the lack of a control group and the small sample size. Yet, the study yields first positive results of body image improvement after DMT in autism, in the form of individual effects (improvement of body image) and inter-subjective aspects (through the interviews) after interactive body-based mirroring exercises and inter-subjective experiences in a group context.
Highlights
Intersubjectivity is fundamentally different in individuals with autism compared to individuals without autism
dance movement therapy (DMT) strengthens the resources of persons with autism, improves their body perception and body image, and increases their well-being, their social competences and their empathy
A feasibility study of DMT with young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) based on a series of mirroring interventions showed that body awareness, social competence, well-being/affect, and differentiation of self and other increased significantly after DMT, while empathy did not increase significantly [6]
Summary
Intersubjectivity is fundamentally different in individuals with autism compared to individuals without autism. Dance movement therapy (DMT) addresses the nonverbal abilities to relate nonverbally, and to feel comfortable when relating nonverbally. It further addresses the ability to sense one’s own body, to distinguish self from other, and to feel comfortable in one’s own body and in relationships with others. DMT strengthens the resources of persons with autism, improves their body perception and body image, and increases their well-being, their social competences and their empathy. A feasibility study of DMT with young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) based on a series of mirroring interventions showed that body awareness, social competence, well-being/affect, and differentiation of self and other increased significantly after DMT, while empathy did not increase significantly [6]
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