Project Description:
Drama-based intervention geared especially to children with autism spectrum disorders offers a novel treatment intervention that provides a dynamic environment to motivate hard-to-reach children to participate more meaningfully in a social world (Peter, 2003). Sherratt and Peter (2002) contend that enabling them to engage in playful activity will strengthen those aspects of brain functioning necessary for more flexible thinking with associated benefits in communication skills and greater sensitivity in social interaction. We will pilot the Hunter Heartbeat Method, a drama-based intervention created by Kelly Hunter, of the Royal Shakespeare Company and UK actress. The Hunter Heartbeat Method consists of exercises and games based on the themes, storytelling and the language from Shakespeare's plays. The exercises are intended to address the communicative deficits of autism such as the lack of eye contact, emotional recognition and empathy, just to name a few.
We propose to collect data and conduct a study of this systematic drama-based treatment approach under the supervision and training of professional actors from the Royal Shakespeare Company and Ohio State Department of Theatre and researchers from the Ohio State Nisonger Center. The ultimate goal is to test the therapeutic validity of the Shakespearean drama-based intervention with children with autism spectrum disorders and resulting reduction in core features of autism (e.g., social engagement, eye contact, expressive/receptive communication, use of body language, recognizing facial emotion).
Keyword(s):
Autism Spectrum Disorders, Drama-based Intervention
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention, Recreation-Related Activities
Target Audience:
Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
Mulit-County
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
