~ Mission Statement ~
We believe that it is time to consider dance, music, theatre and visual arts programs as “compatible alternative therapy” to traditional therapies such as ABA, Speech & Language, APE and OT. When provided by a trained therapist, with a university degree or credential in the discipline, the arts can support and actually assist with sensory integration and behavioral challenges as well as provide a natural setting for social interaction with typical peers.
About Autism Movement Therapy, Inc
Joanne Lara, founder and president of Autism Movement Therapy, Inc., a nonprofit serving Autism Research & environmental reform foundations, is an autism education expert, and an adjunct special education faculty member at National University, with a masters in Special Education and a B.A. in dance.
Joanne knows all too well childhood feelings of being an outcast and alone. Indeed, her early challenges of foster care in rural Georgia and eventual triumphs have given her a particular affinity for the challenges that children with autism and their families face every day. It's a strength she clearly draws upon, and imparts with vigor and purpose to her clients.
Ms Lara has written extensively about Environmental Toxins and Autism and presents lectures and workshops throughout the US.
~Organization Background~
Autism Movement Therapy, Inc
According to the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange, Autism strikes 1 in every 91 children born in the United States at an annual cost of $90 Billion in subsequent research, education and care. Recent studies indicate that bridging the left and right hemispheres of the brain allows information to be exchanged through transmitters that oftentimes otherwise may remain dormant in individuals with autism. Autism Movement Therapy® (AMT), the first therapy designed for individuals with autism combining movement and music, is proving to be one of the most effective ways of stimulating communication between the left and right hemispheres of the brain by actually bridging the two hemispheres of the brain (interhemispheric integration) to increase overall cognitive processing. AMT literally awakens the brain by introducing a highly structured and fun form of therapy through music, dance and improvisation.
Developed by Joanne Lara, M.A., Autism Movement Therapy combines a structured program of movement and music, connecting the left and right hemispheres of the brain for a “whole brain” cognitive re-mapping approach that significantly increases concentration, focus and social interaction in the child.
AMT is a natural strategy for individuals with autism with limited speech and language communication skills, allowing them to express themselves through music and dance, simultaneously enjoying the thrill and joy of moving their bodies while developing a sense of self-determination and independence.
Autism Movement Therapy, Inc
and the aut-erobics DVD were created by Joanne Lara to bring music and movement therapy to individuals with autism.
Autism Movement Therapy, Inc. is
a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization serving autism research, environmental reform and community outreach.
Programs and Services
“Dance and music forces the brain to reorganize itself.
Through the music and the movement the individual
is being asked to hear the music, process the sequence
and the patterns, and then dance, it takes both sides of the brain to dance. “ -Joanne Lara, MA.Special
Education, BA Dance
Office: 323.240.0361
7439 Orion Ave
Van Nuys, Ca 91406
autismmovementtherapy.com
Joanne Lara, M.A.
Founder, Director, President
Keri Bowers
Director, Vice President
Chelsea Coleman
Director, Treasurer
Kay Dee Caywood, PhD
Director, Secretary
Roberta Wolin-Tupas, MA
Director
Autism Movement Therapy Classes
Saturday's at 11:30-12:15pm
R & R Arts Center
15359 Cohasset St
Van Nuys, Ca 91406
323 240-0361
Siblings & Friends Welcome!
Joanne Lara knows that the brain needs the body to move. In this DVD she gives the gift of her artful knowledge to children with autism, helping them to fulfill their wholeness and their potential. - Martha R. Herbert, Ph.D., M.D.TRANSCEND Research Program
ProfessorHarvardMedicalSchool
Joanne Lara has been instrumental in the further enrichment of my skills and knowledge, especially in developing our Autism Certificate at National University. Thus the exploration of ‘Autism’ only benefits from Joanne and her work” -Kay Dee Caywood, Ph.D., Lead Faculty, Special Education, NationalUniversity
AMT is interesting and certainly deserves its place in the home learning environment for individuals with autism. -Sharon Hensel – Cohen M.S., C.C.C. (Licensed Speech/ Language Pathologist)
Joanne Lara, creator of Autism Movement Therapy, is doing an outstanding job in engaging our children and adolescents challenged with autism in the community to be involved in life!!! I love the professionalism and enthusiasm she brings to her dance and movement therapy and our children love it!" –Pat Grayson-DeJong,M.Ed, Autism Education Consultants
AMT may preclude the development of behavior challenges, often associated with Autism, and/or may minimize the frequency and intensity of such behavior. – Richard A. Mesaros, Ph.D., CaliforniaStateUniversity, Northridge
After 19 years of therapies and endless searching for a way to ‘tap in’ to my daughter’s trapped thoughts so that she can organize and verbally express her learned and creative abilities, Joanne Lara has given us renewed hope. – K. Levenson, mother in Agoura, Ca
Joanne takes the whole and breaks it down into parts so that parents and professionals can use her invaluable work in the 'real world' of disabilities. Joanne is a no-nonsense woman with intuition, expertise, and credentials that are above par... She knows her craft, and can share opportunities to grow cognition, language, sensory integration, self-esteem, and social cognition. Bravo to Joanne! I highly recommend her DVD aut-erobics, and moreover, recommend Joanne for her simple compassion. - Keri Bowers, Normal Films
Joanne Lara, MA – founder Autism Movement Therapy, Inc, the aut-erobics® DVD, university educator, autism advocate & speaker:Featured on: KCRW, Parents TV, Foxnews.com, abc 7 Eyewitness News, KCSN 88.5 FM LA Shrink Wrap, Health Net Radio, Autism One Radio, KBUL 970AM Tommy B Show, WVNJ Sam Greenfield Show, For the People w/ Chuck Harder, CRN Digital Talk Radio: The George Putnam Show, Denver Post, UPI.com & Forbes Magazine.
“There's a bridge between the left and right hemisphere that transmits information. What happens with our kids is that the transmission of the information is not going through.” Joanne Lara, M.A. Special Education California State University, Northridge
