GuiDANCE Autism
About
Bringing the joy of dance to children with special needs!
GuiDANCE Autism is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization developed to expose children with autism and other special needs to the arts and creative expression normally only available to their typically-able peers.
Serving children and young adults of all levels in an environment of compassion that leads to transformation, the GuiDANCE Autism team of practitioners uses the medium of dance along with respite techniques and rhythmic music to enable children to break through their shells and connect to their surrounding world.
Developed over ten years for children and young adults ages 5-25 years, GuiDANCE Autism incorporates a guided hands-on, modeling, and cue based approach utilizing strengthening and stretching exercises, body isolations, relaxation and touch therapy techniques, repetition, individual and partnering movement combinations, and free expression—all to invigorating rhythmic music.
45 MINUTE PRIVATE SESSIONS AND
SMALL CLASSES DESIGNED TO HELP
DEVELOP, FOSTER & IMPROVE YOUR CHILD’S:
* Behavior and social skills
* Focus and concentration
* Sensory integration abilities
* Listening and retention skills
* Body awareness
* Coordination and range of movement
* Strength and flexibility
* Language and speech development
* Self-confidence
* Creativity and individuality
MOST OF ALL, IT’S A LOT OF FUN!
(Siblings & Friends Welcome!)
Highlights
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
GuiDANCE Autism incorporates a guided hands-on, modeling, and cue based approach utilizing strengthening and stretching exercises, body isolations, relaxation and touch therapy techniques, repetition, individual and partnering movement combinations, and free expression—all to invigorating rhythmic music.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Developed over ten years for children and young adults ages 5-25 years.
GuiDANCE Autism founder, Kerisse Hutchinson, is a Magna Cum Laude Graduate of Towson University and certified Autism Movement Therapist. She received her dance training at the Alvin Ailey Dance Center and has performed and choreographed throughout the US and abroad
Calling dance her “saving grace” during a troubled childhood, she endeavored to extend the gift of dance to underserved populations. While working as a dance therapist for children with autism throughout the New York City school system, she began witnessing the amazing effects her classes had on the students and hearing heartfelt testimonials from parents and teachers. Noticing a lack of dance and movement classes geared toward children with autism, Kerisse tailored her passion and skills as an accomplished dancer, choreographer, and actor into developing dance and movement techniques for children with autism and other special needs.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Varies
What types of students have you worked with?
Children and young adults with autism and other special needs.