ADHD Treatment Options

“Movement As Medicine: How Music, Movement, and Dance Transform the Neurodivergent Brain” [Video Replay & Podcast #586]

Access the video replay, listen to the podcast episode (#586), download the slide presentation, and learn how to get a certificate of attendance for this ADHD Experts webinar originally broadcast on November 12, 2025.

ADHD Expert: Julia C. Basso Updated on January 2, 2026
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Episode Description

Mind–body practices like dance, yoga, exercise, and music actually change the brain and provide powerful benefits for neurodivergent people. Research shows that a body in motion engages a diverse network of brain regions, and the results are undeniable: Movement, and dance in particular, improves mood, focus, emotional regulation, social connections, and decreases social anxiety and depression.

Neuroscientist Julia C. Basso, who heads up the Embodied Brain Laboratory at Virginia Tech, will discuss the research findings in her lab that underscore how meditation practices, along with physical movement, uniquely affect health and wellness in people with ADHD and autism — and may even create a flexible nervous system that helps people to respond more calmly to difficult situations.

In this webinar, you will learn:

  • About the latest research on how movement benefits neurodivergent individuals and why movement is uniquely effective.
  • How movement interventions can strengthen attention, emotional regulation, and social functioning
  • About real-world examples of how dance and group practices foster lasting social connection.
  • About simple routines you can do at home to boost focus, mood, and social skills at for both children and adults.

Watch the Video Replay

Enter your email address in the box above labeled “Video Replay + Slide Access” to watch the video replay (closed captions available) and download the slide presentation.

Download or Stream the Podcast Audio

Click the play button below to listen to this episode directly in your browser, click the symbol to download to listen later, or open in your podcasts app: Apple Podcasts; Spotify; Amazon Music; iHeartRADIO

Movement and the Neurodivergent Brain: Resources

Obtain a Certificate of Attendance

If you attended the live webinar on November 12, watched the video replay, or listened to the podcast, you may purchase a certificate of attendance option (cost: $10). Note: ADDitude does not offer CEU credits. Click here to purchase the certificate of attendance option »

Meet the Expert Speaker

Julia C. Basso, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise at Virginia Tech, a Scientific Wellness Consultant, and Director of The Embodied Brain Laboratory. She also holds affiliate faculty positions in the Virginia Tech School of Neuroscience and is a Fellow at both the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology and the Center for Health Behaviors Research at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion.

With a Ph.D. in Behavioral and Neural Science, a B.A. in Dance, and certification as a yoga teacher, Dr. Basso’s work bridges the fields of art and science, focusing on the body–brain connection and the use of movement to enhance brain function and physiology. Her research includes pioneering studies on neurodivergent populations, exploring how dance and other movement-based practices can improve attention, emotion regulation, social connection, and overall well-being in individuals with ADHD and autism.

A Renée Fleming Neuroarts Investigator, Dr. Basso’s research has been featured in prominent outlets such as The New York Times, Dance Magazine, Psychology Today, Virginia Living, and National Public Radio. In addition to her scientific work, she creates dance performances and artistic installations that visualize and sonify brain activity, extending her commitment to understanding and sharing the embodied mind through both research and art.

Learn more at www.embodiedbrainlab.com.

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