Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, learning, and behavior. Although ASD can be diagnosed at any stage of life, it is classified as a developmental disorder because symptoms typically emerge during early childhood, usually within the first two years. One of the core features of autism includes repetitive and restricted patterns of behavior, such as stereotyped movements, self-injurious actions, compulsive behaviors, insistence on sameness, ritualistic activities, and restricted interests.

The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) in reducing repetitive and restricted behaviors among children with moderate autism. The sample comprised eight children diagnosed with moderate ASD, aged between 5 and 10 years, recruited from special schools and child development centers in Chandanagar, Hyderabad. Both therapists and parents participated in a structured movement-based intervention program consisting of fifteen sessions of 45 minutes each, conducted over a period of three months.

To assess the impact of the intervention, the Repetitive Behavior Scale–Revised (RBS-R) was administered to parents before and after the intervention. The scale assessed six subdomains: stereotyped behavior, self-injurious behavior, compulsive behavior, ritualistic behavior, sameness behavior, and restricted behavior. Statistical analysis using mean scores, standard deviation, and paired t-tests revealed significant reductions in repetitive behavior subscales, including stereotyped, self-injurious, and compulsive behaviors. Similarly, significant improvements were observed in restricted behavior subscales such as ritualistic behavior, insistence on sameness, and restricted behaviors.

Overall, the findings indicate a significant reduction in repetitive and restricted behaviors among children with moderate autism following the Dance Movement Therapy intervention. The study provides empirical support for the effectiveness of movement-based therapeutic approaches as a beneficial intervention for managing core behavioral symptoms of autism