The use of drama to teach social skills in a special school setting for students with autism.

Kempe, A. and Tissot, C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9835-0903 (2012) The use of drama to teach social skills in a special school setting for students with autism. Support for Learning, 27 (3). pp. 97-102. ISSN 0268-2141 doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9604.2012.01526.x

Abstract/Summary

For children with autism, social challenges may be both part of the disability and a barrier to accessing education. This paper reports on a project which used drama to address such challenges by drawing on the social skills of non-autistic peers in a special school setting. The paper demonstrates how drama’s flexibility may be harnessed in order to help students support each other’s development of creative and communicative skills. Focusing on two children in particular, specific examples are given to illustrate how they participated in group work, made imaginative contributions to verbal and physical representations, and engaged with abstract ideas. The project’s outcomes suggest, given a concrete structure and an invitation to collaborate, drama can be a powerful learning medium for children with ASD. The conclusion reflects on the diverse meaning of inclusive practice which can be achieved within specialist settings.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/29461
Identification Number/DOI	10.1111/j.1467-9604.2012.01526.x
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Arts, Humanities and Social Science > Institute of Education > Improving Equity and Inclusion through Education
Publisher	Wiley-Blackwell
Publisher Statement	The definitive version is available at wileyonlinelibrary.com.
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