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Autism Movement Therapy (AMT) provides children with Autism a world of fun and exciting sensory/motor experiences. Importantly, AMT may preclude the development of behavior challenges, often associated with Autism, and/or may minimize the frequency and intensity of such behavior. AMT as a relaxation technique holds the promise of assisting children with Autism with emotional regulation -- while they are engaged in a typical, age-appropriate and social activity -- dance!!

--Richard A. Mesaros, Ph.D.  Professor - FERP Department of Special Education, Michael D. Eisner College of Education, CSU Northridge

I don't know where to begin when describing Joanne Lara.  She is such an amazing individual and has such a gift for working with children on the autistic spectrum.  She has helped our family enormously with her innovative ideas and great sense of humor.  My children love her and they think she is coming to our house to have fun because she has made learning fun for them.It is rare to find someone who really understands children with special needs and who can keep them motivated to learn. This quality has been found in Joanne Lara.

- Heather Green, parent child with autism

Joanne;  My daughter Rachel has worked through level one several times.  We have yet to reach the second level, as she is still mastering the first.  I am amazed however, at how quickly she is picking up the movements.  Even after years of adaptive P.E. and a special needs dance class, I can see that she still needs more movement practice.  The free dance section, where she has to "do her own thing" throws her for a loop.  It is great that she has to show imagination in movement to work through that section.  In so many ways we have worked hard to make Rachel less rigid, but I have never thought that body movement was an area in which she could improve.  I think it will enable her to move innately, without having to plan every action out ahead of time.   

This DVD has been too long in coming.  I have been looking for videos along these lines since she was about 6, and she is now 15!  I am excited to see how well she progresses as the weeks go by.  Thank you again for letting us give this a try. 

Sincerely,

Kitty J. Finn, parent of 14 year old child with autism 

I think that Joanne's tape clearly encourages movement on both sides of the body, alone and together, which is a brain exercise in mainstreaming the two hemispheres. This type of exercise, done at the child's own pace in their natural and undistracting environment, will allow them to optimize the benefits of movement therapy. The particular process of AMT is interesting and certainly deserves its place in the home learning environment for individuals  with ASD. 

-Sharon Hensel – Cohen  M.S., C.C.C.  (Licensed Speech/ Language Pathologist) 

I feel that movements contributing to organization of the brain are an important key to helping those with autism become more

flexible in their thinking. I certainly think that Autism Movement Therapy should definitely be an important part of any teacher education program that works with students that fall within the autism Spectrum.

-Dr Kay Dee Caywood, National University; Lead Faculty Special

Education

This is a highly motivating DVD that will make any individual with autism and their parents want to get up and move. What a

fantastic way of applying the research to practice.  This is a DVD that has been too long in coming.  Parents and children alike will enjoy engaging in the activities together.  What a great way to

integrate the hemispheres of the brain.  Joanne Lara is an inspiration to individuals with autism, parents, and educators alike.  Way to go!

-Cathy Carpenter, M.A.  IECP (Inclusive Education & Community Partnership) Director, Community Services 

Joanne is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience to help children with special needs. Now with her video, she can make a positive impact on children everywhere!

-Jamie Friedland, Case Manager Regional Center 

Hi, Joanne.  We have just now started level 3.  My son caught on to level one pretty quickly but level two took a little while to master.  We are seeing progress in his speech and language, ability to follow more directions and more complex directions and his resistance behavior.  Anyway, I want to thank you again for creating this Autism Movement Therapy and for understanding that individuals with autism are capable of doing many things and shouldn't be "thrown by the wayside."  In addition, I read your article on how environmental factors contribute to autism.  We have been giving our son weekly detoxifying clay baths and doing the Autism Movement Therapy on a regular basis. 

- Jennifer - Tennessee