Drama may help children with autism to communicate and interact better, study says

Children with autism who participate in drama and performance-based activities may demonstrate improved levels of communication and interpersonal interaction, research has found. Researchers at the University of Kent undertook a project entitled ‘Imagining Autism’ where children with autism engaged in a series of interactive sensory environments such as ‘outer space’, ‘under the sea’ and ‘the arctic’. Each environment was designed for them to encounter a range of stimuli and respond to triggers created through lighting, sound, physical action and puppetry. Using trained performers in each of the environments, the work aimed to promote communication, socialisation, playful interaction and creative engagement,