Exploring sensory sensitivities and relationships during group dance movement psychotherapy for adults with autism

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore sensory experiences of adults with autism and to find how they form relationships, including attachment behaviours, within a dance movement psychotherapy (DMP) group. The research paradigm was a qualitative, reflective participant observation methodology within a realism perspective. Triangulations have been used to strengthen the internal and external validity. The method used was a case study of four adults diagnosed with autism, attending group DMP over an eight-week period. Systematic observations recorded by two therapists, feedback from the participants and literature have been used to triangulate different perspectives. In conclusion, the findings show that the participants were experiencing sensory sensitivities that were systemically influencing their relationships. An awareness of sensory processing differences will have implications for how dance movement psychotherapists, parents, educators and other health and social care professionals adapt the micro dance of movement and gestures, when interacting and communicating with children and adults with autism. The recommendation from this study is that further research is needed, particularly in relation to adults.