Swing dancing along the spectrum: A proposed unique adjunctive treatment approach for individuals with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a class of developmental disorders typically diagnosed during childhood. ASD is characterized by social deficits and repetitive behavioral patterns, which cause clinically significant impairment and are not better explained by intellectual disability (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). This doctoral paper proposes swing dancing as an adjunctive treatment option for high functioning adults with ASD. Swing dance is a category of social, partner dance initially set to swing style jazz music. This category most notably includes Lindy Hop, Charleston, Jitterbug and Balboa. Swing dance is an activity which grants social structure, is typically surrounded by an accepting social culture and helps individuals to further their physical awareness and adeptness. This concept was born organically, out of college swing dance classes at Oberlin College. Oberlin College has a well-established swing dance club that offers classes each semester for credit through a program called the Experimental College. The Experimental College offers students the opportunity to serve as professors in areas of their expertise. Both as a student, and later as one of two instructors, I noticed a different, specific set of social rules interwoven into swing dance culture. These classes were open to all students, but seemed to hold particular appeal to those with social difficulties. Here was finally an environment in which the socially awkward young adult flourished. Here was a place for socially uncomfortable people to be considered on par with the socially adept. Here was a chance for the physically unskilled to feel coordinated for the first time. In written end-of-semester class reviews, students expressed pleasure at finally having an emotional outlet, learning a physical activity that they felt they could excel at, and finally being able to meet and befriend fellow students in a less daunting setting. It