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Ballet Moves: Kids With Autism Find Confidence
20 Apr
Summary
- Medical students created a free ballet course for children with autism.
- The program enhances mobility and builds meaningful connections.
- Parents report improved confidence and coordination in their children.
A groundbreaking ballet program, Approach To Dance Autism Through Personalized Teaching (ADAPT), has been initiated by three medical students at New York City's Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. This free 12-week course, launched last year in partnership with the Seaver Autism Center, caters to children aged 7 to 12 diagnosed with autism.
The program aims to enhance physical mobility and foster social connections among participants. Experts highlight its role as a form of physical therapy, addressing a key challenge for children with autism. Students like Kylie Reid have expressed increased confidence, while parents, such as Shaneeka Reid, appreciate the creation of a supportive environment previously lacking for children with special needs in formal dance training.
Isabella Richardson, a 12-year-old participant now in her second year, shares her joy in learning ballet moves. Her mother, Adalia Richardson, has witnessed remarkable progress in Isabella's confidence and coordination, noting the positive friendships her daughter has made. This initiative demonstrates the profound impact of adaptive arts programs on children with autism.
