Browsing by Author "Saari, Annina"

Tiivistelmä - Referat – Abstract Objectives. This literature review examines how dance and movement therapy might be applied in increasing the well-being of children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Individuals diagnosed with an ASDs experience social and communicational difficulties every day. They have difficulties in expressing their feelings. Dance and movement therapy is based on interactional movement. The focus is to build and strengthen the relationships between the participants. Earlier studies have shown that dance and movement therapy can increase the well-being of participants. This review examines can dance and movement therapy contribute to the well-being of individuals with autism spectrum disorder Research method. Research articles were searched on Ebscohost and Helka databases. The criteria for inclusion were that articles were published between years 2010–2017, articles were written in English or Finnish and peer review -publications and abstracts were available. The criteria for exclusion were 1) the whole text was not available, 2) the study was not a research article, 3) the study examined other than individuals with ASDs, 4) the form of the therapy was other than dance and movement therapy, 5) the research articles were published before year 2010 ja 6) the study was a literature review. Based on the 40 research studies that were found only five research articles were selected in the study. These five articles were analysed by using content analysis method. Conclusion. This review consists of five research articles that examined the possibilities of dance and movement therapy in increasing the well-being of individuals diagnosed with ASDs. The conclusion of the study is that dance and movement therapy increases the well-being of the participants by increasing interaction between the participants and strengthening feelings of empathy. In addition to this therapy supported the self-control of the participants as well as socially acceptable behavior. Therapy helped the participants to build a positive self-image and body-image. Many studies have already examined the positive effects of the dance and movement therapy in Europe and United States. The effects of the dance and movement therapy in increasing the well-being of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder has not yet been studied in Finland.