ERIC Number: EJ999421
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-May
Pages: 5
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0013-127X
EISSN: N/A
Using Theater to Teach Social Skills: Researchers Document Improvements for Children with Autism
Hartigan, Patti
Education Digest: Essential Readings Condensed for Quick Review, v77 n9 p30-34 May 2012
The idea that theater fosters social cognition has long been championed by drama therapists and some psychologists, neuropsychologists, and special educators. But the research is only now emerging, and researchers suggest that the very nature of theater makes it an inherently useful tool for children on the spectrum. Children with autism struggle with social interaction, have difficulty with nonverbal and verbal communication, and often present with an inflexible thinking pattern. They have difficulty reading another person's perspective (also known as theory of mind) and with empathy and emotional regulation. All those skills are built into the theater process. This article discusses theater games that teachers can use.
Descriptors: Interpersonal Relationship, Interpersonal Competence, Autism, Theater Arts, Social Cognition, Theory of Mind, Empathy, Teaching Methods, Drama, Games
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A