Drama Activities (& Drama Therapy)

Drama (and Drama Therapy) is a creative and expressive medium that can be beneficial for some individuals with ASD¹. It can provide the individual with the opportunity to engage in role-playing, improvisation, storytelling, and perspective-taking. Drama activities can be used as part of a wider intervention to enhance the individual’s social and communication skills, cognitive empathy and emotional expression and regulation. 

Some key aspects of drama activities for ASD include:

1. Nonverbal communication: Drama can provide a channel of communication for individuals with ASD who may struggle with verbal skills/language. Through drama activities, the individual can be provided with the opportunity to express themselves, communicate emotions, and engage in meaningful interactions with others without relying solely on spoken language.
2. Social interaction: Drama sessions often involve group activities, which can promote social interaction and cooperation among individuals with ASD. Engaging in group improvisation, role-playing, or collaborative storytelling can help develop social skills, such as turn-taking, active listening, perspective-taking, and empathy.
3. Emotional expression: Through drama activities the individual can embody different characters or situations, allowing them to explore and express a range of emotions. Drama activities can help individuals develop emotional awareness, regulation, and coping strategies.
4. Creative expression: Drama can help individuals with ASD to tap into their creativity and imagination. It can provide opportunities for self-expression, problem-solving, and exploring alternative perspectives. Engaging in drama activities allows individuals to think more flexibly, try out new roles, and develop their own unique creative expression.
5. Self-confidence and self-esteem: Drama can help individuals with ASD build self-confidence and self-esteem. Participating in drama, performing in front of others, and receiving positive feedback can boost self-confidence and foster a sense of accomplishment.

Drama can be used in conjunction with other intervention approaches, such as “Social Stories” and “Video Modelling”, allowing the individual with ASD to apply and refine any newly acquired theoretical knowledge and skills in a semi-natural environment, before  implementing them in real-life social situations.

Drama activities for ASD should be provided by a suitably qualified professional who has relevant training and experience in working with individuals with ASD. The educationalist/therapist should have a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges and strengths of individuals with ASD and tailor the drama approach to meet their specific needs.

While there is a growing body of research supporting the potential benefits of drama activities for individuals with ASD, more research is needed to establish the full extent of its effectiveness². It is recommended to approach drama as part of a comprehensive intervention plan, in collaboration with other professionals, such as speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, or behaviour analysts, to address the diverse needs of individuals with ASD and support their overall development and well-being.

References

1. O’Sullivan, C. (2015). Drama and Autism. In: Volkmar, F. (eds) Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer, New York, NY. doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_102102-1
2. Godfrey, E., & Haythorne, D. (2013). Benefits of dramatherapy for autism spectrum disorder: A qualitative analysis of feedback from parents and teachers of clients attending roundabout dramatherapy sessions in schools. Dramatherapy, 35(1), 20–28. doi.org/10.1080/02630672.2013.773131

Author: digitallysound