This study published in 2016 explored educators' perceptions of the impact of group dance/movement therapy (DMT) on student behavior, symptoms, and academic engagement in special education classrooms. The study conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 educators who had observed and/or participated in a student DMT group in a U.S. public school and drew the following four conclusions: (a) participation in DMT can improve supervisory behaviors; (b) DMT can address the needs of individuals who are part of a group; (c) DMT techniques and tools used can affect the sensory system; and (d) time, duration and spatial constraints may affect long-term benefits. Although further research is needed, results indicate that educators agree that DMT can be used in schools to help children focus, regulate energy, and enhance healthy social skills.
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Christina Devereaux
Children with Special Educational Needs