This class is designed specifically for children diagnosed with 
ASD ( Autism Spectrum Disorder ).   Through carefully selected  pairings of music and movement children learn to label their body parts, follow simple directions and will lengthen their attention span.  We will then build on this foundation to learn simple communication skills so young learners are able to make their wants and needs known to parents or caregivers. 

     In this class I will use nursery rhymes, finger plays and a variety of strategies to teach students how to pay attention, follow simple commands and directions and start to imitate sounds. These key skills will form the foundation for learning language and communication skills that help children interact positively with their family and friends.

      The class is 30 minutes long so parents have to make sure the child is ready and in a good mood when scheduling the class.  Children are expected to watch me on the screen as I move about. Parents or caregivers are expected to be present for the entire class to model for children and to help them perform the movements and to participate in the class. The student needs to be able to  hear the music we are singing and moving to.

     It is normal for caregivers to have to get children moving by actually moving their body parts for them for simple actions such as waving, stomping their feet or clapping at the appropriate time.  It’s an active class and the caregiver who is present with the child should be strong enough to help the child move about physically and possibly move their body parts for them if they are unable to do it for themselves at the exact time that they need to.