MovementWorks 'Action for Autism'

Our 'Action for Autism' sessions are for young people with Autism or related differences (with or without diagnosis) aged 11 - 18 years.

They are FREE to attend and are held weekly (term-time only) on a Wednesday after school in the Studio at Tooting Leisure Centre. 

About 'Action for Autism'

The sessions are based on Autism Movement Therapy (AMT), an established movement and music method for teaching individuals with autism. AMT offers an innovative, energetic and structured approach that stimulates the brain, aids sensory processing, develops communication and motor skills and supports challenges associated with autism, all while having fun! Reflecting a growing interest in the brain-body connection and incorporating helpful support strategies, AMT is an exciting approach which complements other therapeutic techniques for children on the autistic spectrum and has children meeting and achieving their speech, social and academic goals.

These therapeutic sessions use activities designed by a movement scientist to support key areas of development. In sessions the young people practise physical and imaginative skills that advance developmental maturity and learning ability. The sessions are structured but with a great deal of space for developing autonomy and finding the best way for each individual child to meet their potential and grow in confidence and independence.

We have been successfully running our 'Action for Autism' projects for over six years thanks to funding by various institutions and this current project is funded by Wandsworth Council Arts for Health and Wellbeing and is currently scheduled to continue to December 2025.

The young people will have the opportunity to participate in the performing arts as creators, performers and costume/prop designers. With the expert dance and design facilitation from our experienced practitioners, the young people will experience agency, inclusion and parity of opportunity to drive equality of representation in cultural practice and performance.

Please note: young people that are not interested in performing, can still take part in backstage support roles

Feedback from past participant families

“At the beginning of the sessions E was very shy and stressed. He didn’t like to look into the mirror in front of him while dancing. He used to close his eyes when he could. With time he started to look into the mirror, he engaged more with other kids and dance teachers.” Parent, Boy E, age 16

“To be part of the MovementWorks project helped A understand what it means to be part of a group. He showed huge improvement, We got positive feedback in the Annual Report from School. ‘He is aware of personal space more than last year and made excellent progress in PE. He has made good progress in terms of listening to instructions and working as part of a group.’ - We are so proud of his progress” Parent, Boy A, age 13

“She is still very shy but is feeling more confident, a massive improvement! She is not as anxious, a small step but significant. Thoughts in terms of creativity has improved – she entered writing competition. she wouldn’t have done this before. She used to be on her own at lunchtimes in school, but now socialises with her friends” Parent, Girl Su, age 14

Feedback from past participants

“Being part of the project meant a lot, I’ve learned new skills, I met new people, I enjoyed myself it was fun. I want to carry on dancing. I think the project was fantastic and the dance teachers were amazing.” Girl St, age 14

“I have learned new skills, socialising and dancing and feel more confident dancing during the sessions and enjoy being part of the a small group that I am familiar with so I don’t stress a lot.” Girl J, age 16

"I like the sessions and the dancing, I even got to do my robot dance. I have made new friends and like being part of the group I like the mirrors so I can see how I look when I do things." Boy D age 12

How to take part

You can visit our dedicated webpage 'Action for Autism' and complete the contact form or alternatively email [javascript protected email address]