DRAMA
Often children with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome are verbal, however they lack the skills to speak and interact socially. Sometimes, language skills are echolalic - that is, people with autism repeat others' words verbatim. Some parents have noted that their children with autism can actually recite big chunks of dialogue from TV shows and movies, with precisely the same accent and intonation as the original. Moreover, children with Asperger's Syndrome experience difficulties in basic elements of social interaction, which may include; a failure to develop friendships, to seek shared enjoyments or achievements of others, a lack of social or emotional reciprocity, and/or impaired nonverbal behaviours in areas such as eye contact, facial expression, posture and gesture.
Our drama class offers the opportunity for verbal individuals with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome to build on their imitative strengths by actually learning, practising and perfecting "lines" in a fun, supportive setting. It also allows participants to work on social improvisation, practise social skills learned in other settings, work on reading and using body language, and develop speaking skills. Even better, it offers participants the opportunity to actually become actors, star in a show, build confidence, and earn sincere applause. Drama will offer kids the opportunity to experiment with social interaction in a safe, supportive setting.
Using modern use of dramatic process and theatre as a therapeutic intervention including; role-play, theatre game, group-dynamic games, mime, puppetry and other improvisational techniques children will work on specific areas as such: