Researcher. Choreographer.
Dancer. Autism advocate.
About
Currently pursuing a dual BS in neuroscience and dance science as well as minors in psychology, dance, and exercise science from Elon University as a Fine Arts Fellows scholar, I have spent my life driven by passionate curiosity. In addition to being a high achieving academic student, I was also an elite preprofessional dancer throughout my childhood. I was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia and Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome at 17 and as I fought to understand the complexities of these disorders, I found my passions shifting. ​
Dysautonomia is still wildly misunderstood and, I believe, undiagnosed. Research shows clear links between hypermobility disorders, dysautonomia disorders such as POTS, and neurodivergency. Diagnosed as autistic at age 15, I know all too well the complications that come when multiple disorders converge. Add to that the high correlation between the dance world, hypermobility, and neurodivergency, and I see a population that needs research and support.
I believe I can do so much to enact positive change for dancers, from unpacking neurodivergencies for dancers, to supporting their self advocacy, and understanding that science and art are complementary, not adversarial.
“Examining factors involved in injury disclosure in dancers”
This study surveyed collegiate dancers to identify barriers to injury disclosure and their implications for timely care. Responses revealed reduced reporting during performance periods, concerns about academic repercussions, and uncertainty about injury severity. Acute muscular injuries were least disclosed, while skeletal and chronic injuries were more often reported. Findings underscore the need for improved dialogue between educators and healthcare providers to support early intervention. Findings will be presented at the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science 35th annual conference.
Sole presenter (PI) IADMS 35th conference 2025
“The Estimated Prevalence and Potential Benefits of Neurodivergence in University Dancers”
This study estimated the prevalence of neurodivergence (ND) among university dancers and examined its intersections with professional dance qualities. Among 29 participants, 48% were hypermobile and 76% screened as likely neurodivergent. Findings suggest ND may be more common in dancers than the general population and highlight overlaps between ND traits and strengths valued in dance training and performance. Research is still ongoing, with data being collected from a second university in coming months. Findings will be presented at the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science 35th annual conference.
Co-presenter (co-PI) IADMS 35th conference 2025
“Examining the effects of various teaching styles on the neurodivergent dancer”
This literature review examined teaching methods that support neurodivergent (ND) dancers, with a focus on autism and ADHD. Research highlights that ND students benefit from clear, step-by-step instruction and reduced environmental stimuli, strategies that translate effectively to dance training. Drawing on both scholarly findings and lived experience as an autistic dancer, this presentation outlined practical methods educators can adopt to create more inclusive, equitable learning environments. Insights equip teachers to refine their approaches, fostering greater success for ND dancers in both classroom and pre-professional settings. Findings were presented at the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science 34th annual conference.
Sole presenter IADMS 34th conference 2024
IADMS 2025
I presented at the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science world conference in Las Vegas September 25-28, 2025.
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“Examining factors involved in injury disclosure in dancers”
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“The Estimated Prevalence and Potential Benefits of Neurodivergence in University Dancers”
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"Great Minds Think Differently" by Sophie Bress
September 2023 edition of Dance Magazine
Dance Magazine interviewed me on my experience as an autistic dancer. I'm so grateful to share my experiences with their audience!
Advocacy
There are so many assumptions around individuals with diagnoses like OCD, Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, and Tourette syndrome, most of them negative. As someone with Autism, OCD, and ADHD, I have experienced firsthand the negative effects these harmful and institutional issues can have on mental and physical health. Autism is so often seen as something that hinders and inhibits someone’s ability to function as a member of society, but in reality it is simply a separate operating system that enables us to see things differently and bring unique and valuable opinions and views to the world stage. Autistic individuals are often oblivious to unsaid social guidelines and rules, which lets us see truths unaffected by social pressures.
I hope to be a voice for autistic women like myself who deserve to have their opinions heard. So often we face barriers in getting the accessibility and accommodations we need to be successful.
Autism testing had given me the diagnosis I needed to request accommodations and have myself heard. I had to advocate for myself throughout the entire journey, however, and faced skepticism (You don’t LOOK Autistic!) and resentment (Why do YOU get “special treatment”?) as I fought for my legal rights.
I would like to be a strong positive voice for autistic women like myself who have to navigate a world that was not made for them, and as recent studies are just starting to find a strong link between the dance world and a high neurodivergent population, I know I am not alone in the dance world as an Autist.
I have spent my whole life as a square peg, and I won't apologize for not fitting into a round hole. I plan to help the world develop places where all sorts of pegs can fit and feel valued.
Interested in speaking with me on the subject of neurodivergency? Click here to contact me!
Check this out:
Instagram Livestream discussion on Autism and dancers, with Jennifer Milner on dancing with autism
Instagram livestream discussion with Jennifer Milner and Brook Naulty on having an invisible disability in the dance world
Choreography
Being an artist is my way to express without words how I feel or what is going on in my mind. Diagnosed with Autism, I struggle with words around people I don’t know, the social cueing, unwritten rules, and overall exhaustiveness of it all. When I dance, I can communicate and forge bonds with people I don’t know without having to say anything at all. Dance and other artistic expressions are my way of sharing what I think without words.