The second edition of Using Drama with Children on the Autism Spectrum takes the perspective that support for the learning and development of children should have the purpose of giving them the freedom to be more fully who they are and able to function more effectively as themselves in a wider range of contexts. The focus of this new edition is on learning outcomes as expressed by autistic people, for example, to develop better understandings about the social world and to know how to manage everyday situations more successfully. This practical resource book contains more than 150 activities for use with children aged 5–11 years old. Written for mainstream and special education teachers, speech and language therapists, drama teachers, play workers and creative arts therapists, the book shows how using drama with children across the autism spectrum can provide valuable experiences in being with others and communicating with them in enjoyable ways that support the development of well-being and confidence. In addition, drama is presented as a rich medium for reflecting on everyday social situations and developing children’s understandings about the social world. Complete with case studies, photocopiable resources and step-by-step guidance on how to facilitate drama activities that all children can enjoy, this practical resource will be invaluable for those who are looking for new ways of engaging children on the autism spectrum and their peers. The second edition of this practical resource has been extensively revised, updated and re-focused in line with current practice and thinking.

Table of Contents:
List of activities Preface Introduction How to use this book 1 An Empty Space Working with the sensory environment Introduction Aims Activities Working with atmosphere and perspective Exploring shape and colour Working with opposites Mirrors Things to do, say and look for 2 Simple Groups Noticing others and joining in Introduction Aims Activities Beginning and ending rituals Whole group activities Activities for pairs in a group Good group games 3 Sculpting Using the body for expression Introduction Aims Activities Mirroring Imaginary work with objects and actions Vocal expression Sculpting social scenes 4 Props, Puppets and Costume Exploring the language of objects Introduction Aims Activities Objects and their properties Creative expression using objects Working with puppets People as objects 5 Exploring ‘Me’ Different aspects of myself Introduction Aims Activities Group interaction and trust Me, the facts Feeling me My social self Relaxation 6 Role Playing Exploring roles in everyday life Introduction Aims Activities Call and response warm ups Exploring roles in the group Exploring social roles in everyday life De-roling 7 Storytelling Thinking about what happens next Introduction Aims Activities Two-part story warm ups Three-part stories Who? Where? What? Storytellling structures More complex stories 8 Improvisation Making sense of social situations Introduction Aims Activities Individual improvisation Improvisation in pairs Whole group improvisation Forum Theatre More ideas for improvisation 9 Ending Finishing and moving on Introduction Activities Activities for session endings Activities for when the group ends Resources References Index