NYC medical students offer free ballet course for children with autism

The 12-week program helps kids with autism improve mobility and build meaningful connections.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 1:29am

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A glowing neon outline of a young dancer in a graceful ballet pose, their limbs flowing with energy and movement, set against a dark background to emphasize the vibrant, electric lines that define the dancer's form.A free ballet program for children with autism is helping young dancers build confidence and connect through the power of movement.NYC Today

Three medical students at New York City's Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have created a free 12-week ballet course for children with autism ages 7-12. The program, called ADAPT, is designed to help kids work on mobility and build confidence through dance.

Why it matters

Children with autism often face challenges with physical mobility and social connections. This program provides a unique opportunity for them to explore ballet in a supportive, inclusive environment and develop important skills.

The details

The ADAPT program was cofounded by three medical students who raised funds, secured a studio, and partnered with the Seaver Autism Center at Mount Sinai. The class is taught by the students and focuses on helping kids with autism work on mobility, coordination, and confidence through ballet. Parents have reported seeing improvements in their children's physical abilities and social engagement after just a few classes.

  • The ADAPT program launched last year.
  • The current 12-week course runs through the spring of 2026.

The players

Sheena Ranade

Associate professor of pediatric orthopedic surgery at Mount Sinai.

Kylie Reid

A student participating in the ADAPT ballet course.

Shaneeka Reid

The mother of a student in the ADAPT ballet course.

Isabella Richardson

A 12-year-old student in her second year of the ADAPT ballet course.

Adalia Richardson

The mother of Isabella Richardson, a student in the ADAPT ballet course.

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What they’re saying

“It's a form of physical therapy. It enables kids to work on their mobility, which is a major issue in this patient population.”

— Sheena Ranade, Associate professor of pediatric orthopedic surgery

“It gives me confidence.”

— Kylie Reid, Student

“There are not many spaces that are made for children with special needs and like a formal dance training.”

— Shaneeka Reid, Mother

“Ballet makes me so happy. I like to learn new dance moves, like plié, especially plié.”

— Isabella Richardson, Student

“I feel like she's become more confident. Her coordination has improved. She's done amazing and made so many friends.”

— Adalia Richardson, Mother

What’s next

The ADAPT program plans to continue offering the free 12-week ballet course for children with autism in the coming years, with the goal of expanding to serve more families in the New York City area.

The takeaway

This innovative program demonstrates how the arts, specifically ballet, can be a powerful tool for improving physical, social, and emotional well-being for children with autism. The medical students' dedication to creating an inclusive, supportive environment is inspiring and highlights the potential for similar initiatives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of neurodiverse youth.