Thesis
Autism spectrum disorder and empathic comprehension: a comparative review of empathic behavior and implications for dance/movement therapy
Master of Arts (M.A.), Drexel University
Aug 2018
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/D8G964
Abstract
Those who've been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have been assumed to lack the capacity to empathize. This includes the ability to recognize, and respond to, cognitive and emotional signals from other people. Analysis of these claims within the literature may identify inaccuracies that perpetuate unfounded stereotypes, and additionally, reveal therapeutic trends that may accurately help clients with ASD. I've collected case-controlled observational studies comparing ASD, clinical, and typical control groups. These resources have been organized by respective type and method of study in order to analyze emergent themes in the literature. Analysis of sources revealed themes of delayed, but not absent, cognitive comprehension in ASD groups. Assessments of emotional comprehension did not trend toward significant differences between ASD and control groups, but showed patterns that were dependent on the size, persistence, and contextual relevance of the emotional display. Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) based drama therapy can be used to identify the current level of cognitive awareness, and with cooperative engagement between client and clinician, develop socially-contextual interplay, strengthen reciprocal understanding, and translate whole-body expressions into more intimate exchanges between oneself and others.
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Details
- Title
- Autism spectrum disorder and empathic comprehension
- Creators
- Cara Lyn Slemmer - DU
- Contributors
- Amy Hunter (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- xii, 195 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Creative Arts Therapies; College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 8139; 991014632441604721