All children on the autism spectrum can learn and develop, but the key is unlocking how the individual child learns most effectively about the world, in order to help them develop. Chroma strongly believes the answer lies within dramatherapy.
Dramatherapy is a form of psychological therapy which uses drama, storytelling, play and movement to support children to understand themselves and make positive changes in their lives.
It’s a sensory experience, using movement, touch, sound and colours to engage the senses. The sensory experience can be heightened or lessened depending on the child’s individual sensitivities.
Especially effective with autism
This form of arts therapy is especially effective for children with autism as there are many creative ways to be able to develop the relationship. This might be through non-verbal play, through shared movement, or more direct play, depending on the individual.
Dramatherapy provides a safe, boundaried way to make those relationships that can then be worked with and helped to transfer to the child’s everyday life.
Dramatherapy can help with behaviours
Children with autism may have difficulty communicating verbally, with social interaction, or they may have restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviours, activities or interests.
Dramatherapy can work with these behaviours and challenges. Children with autism may struggle with change and control, which can be explored safely within the therapy session through the indirect use of play, movement and the therapeutic relationship.
Different ways to communicate and connect
Autistic children may struggle interpreting verbal and non-verbal communication. Within dramatherapy, the therapist and child can find different ways to communicate and connect through play.
It is a safe, happy environment where children with autism can thrive. This can then be developed alongside the work of fellow professionals and the family to find ways to help outside the session.
Daniel Thomas, joint managing director of Chroma, said: “We believe dramatherapy can have a positive impact upon an autistic child’s life. If we engage autistic children with dramatherapy from an early age, verbal, social and emotional difficulties may not pose such a significant impact upon their adult lives.”
