Dance for Autism Spectrum Disorder

(ASD Trial)

Overseen By Andrew Ho, MOT

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Loma Linda University

Disqualifiers: No IEP Autism, Age 7-11

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 7 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests whether hip-hop dance can improve social and emotional skills in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Participants will join a 7-week program, dancing for an hour each week, and will showcase their skills at the end. Children aged 7-11 with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) listing Autism as their primary eligibility can join. Participants should follow simple instructions, engage in structured activities, and have experience in group activities. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity for children to enhance their social and emotional skills through a fun and engaging activity.

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 prior data suggests that hip-hop dance is safe for children with ASD?

Research has shown that dance activities, such as hip-hop dance, are generally safe and well-received by children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Studies have found that these activities can positively impact social and emotional well-being with minimal risks.

Although dance involves physical movement, it rarely causes serious injuries. Instead, it offers a fun way for kids to be active and express themselves. Evidence supports the benefits of dance, though more research is needed to understand the long-term effects. So far, no major reports of negative side effects have emerged from using dance as a therapy for ASD.

In summary, hip-hop dance is considered a safe option for children with ASD to help improve their social and emotional skills. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using hip-hop dance as a treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) because it offers a unique, engaging approach compared to traditional methods like behavior therapy and medication. This program combines the physical activity of dance with the benefits of occupational therapy, potentially enhancing social interaction, coordination, and self-expression in a fun, supportive environment. Unlike conventional treatments that can feel clinical or routine, this method creates a dynamic and inclusive experience that could lead to improved outcomes and increased motivation for participants.

What evidence suggests that hip-hop dance is effective for promoting social-emotional health in children with ASD?

Research has shown that dance, including hip-hop, can enhance social and emotional skills in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). One case study found that dance helped teenagers with ASD express themselves better and become more aware of communication. Another study discovered that teaching dance steps to children with ASD improved their ability to learn and perform these movements. Although more research is needed, these findings suggest that hip-hop dance, which participants in this trial will engage in, could be a promising way to boost social and emotional health in children with ASD. ^{2 3 5 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

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

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Hip-Hop Dance

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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+

Published Research Related to This Trial

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]

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]

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]

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]

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 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]

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]

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]

Citations

1.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10148030/

Parents' long-term experiences in a recreational dance ...

Ballet for all Kids is a novel program that has taught recreational dance classes to those with ASD for over a decade.

2.

tandfonline.com

tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14647893.2022.2159358

a case study of adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder ...

The video analysis clearly shows that it is possible to improve expression and communication awareness of adolescents with ASD using principles of dance ...

3.

digitalcommons.usf.edu

digitalcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=8222&context=etd

Using BST to Teach Dance to Children with ASD

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of BST for teaching dance steps to children diagnosed with. ASD. This study used a multiple baseline ...

4.

centerwatch.com

centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/NCT06295705/exploring-the-effectiveness-of-dance-as-an-intervention-to-promote-social-emotional-health-in-children-with-autism-spectrum-disorder-asd

Exploring the Effectiveness of Dance as an Intervention to ...

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

5.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04762290?term=AREA%5BBasicSearch%5D(set%20dancing)&rank=8

NCT04762290 | Dance for Children With Autism

While many studies have identified dance and creative movement to be retrospectively and anecdotally therapeutic, there remains a paucity of literature ...

6.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06295705

Exploring the Effectiveness of Dance as an Intervention ...

Completed. Exploring the Effectiveness of Dance as an Intervention to Promote Social-Emotional Health in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (ASD).

7.

tandfonline.com

tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1750984X.2025.2471759

Full article: Dancing towards wellbeing: a scoping review of ...

Five common measurements of psychological well-being were found, with positive effects in outcomes observed. Evidence of long-term effectiveness was limited.