This webinar provides a brief overview of some of the latest research and interventions for autism spectrum disorders and how dance/movement therapy (DMT) fits within these current trends. Presenter shares information about the revised criteria for those with autism-related disorders that are now published in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Men­tal Disorders (DSM-5) and distinguishes the differences from the DSM-IV diagnosis that included four separate disorders. Attendees are provided talking points of how DMT addresses specific diagnostic criteria as an intervention for people with ASD. It is a hope that this webinar may provide a starting point to invite further discussion for more ASD/DMT research to transpire.

Learning Objectives:

1. Gain an understanding of some of the current trends in ASD research

2.  Build an awareness and understanding of the new DSM-5 diagnosis and criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder and identify changes since DSM-IV-TR

3.  Identify multiple talking points of how DMT addresses specific diagnostic criteria as an intervention for people with ASD. 

Continuing Education Credits: 1.0 ADTA CE, 1.0 NBCC CE, 1.0 NY LCAT CE

Presenter Bio:

Christina Devereaux PhD, LCAT, LMHC, BC-DMT, NCC, is an associate clinical professor and program director for the Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) and Counseling program at Drexel University (Philadelphia, USA). She served on faculty at the Pratt Institute (New York, USA) in the Department of Creative Arts Therapy and was program director for Dance/Movement Therapy at Antioch University New England (Keene, USA) in the Department of Applied Psychology. Internationally, she serves on the senior faculty of Inspirees, dance therapy training in China, Agape Belgium Academy, and Dance Therapy New Zealand. From 2011-2017, she was co-editor of the American Journal of Dance Therapy and was twice awarded the President's Award from the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) for her outstanding contributions to the profession (2008 and 2017). She has been featured on National Public Radio (NPR), CCTV, the largest television station in China, and as a presenter at the 2014 ADTA Talks series focusing on dance therapy and autism. In addition to authoring many chapters and journal publications, she has a blog with Psychology Today “Meaning in motion: Dancing with the mind in mind". Dr. Devereaux is a recognized scholar as well as national and international presenter specializing in dance therapy with attachment disorders, autism spectrum disorders, trauma, clinical supervision, mind-body integration, and embodied understanding of neurobiology.

Original Webcast Date: 10/24/2014