Growing Social Skills Through Plays

More and more studies around theater performances and how it helps develop social skills in children with autism have started to emerge (Hartigan, 2012).

Last year, many adults and children with disabilities performed “The Wizard of Oz.” You can see the joy and pride shine through the children’s and their parents’ faces (https://www.fox5vegas.com/2023/06/12/promoting-inclusion-through-art-kids-adults-with-disabilities-perform-wizard-oz-adaptation/) . Theater training with the right environment and enough encouragement can foster positive behavior in children on the spectrum. Apart from self-confidence and pride, there are other benefits that theater performances have for children receiving ABA services:

• Practicing social cues. While children who have received ABA therapy can engage in meaningful conversations, they still have some trouble with spotting social cues. Having a script to follow and seeing how certain emotions are portrayed “in action” will help them learn the appropriate ways to respond to others’ feelings in a fun and stimulating environment.

• Physical development. Exercise and other forms of physical activity are vital for children in the spectrum. Theater practice is a great way to keep your child active apart from the activities during ABA therapy organizes and prepares.

• Friendship opportunities. Through theater, your child will not only have the opportunity to learn how to socialize with other people but make friends as well. All sorts of children from all walks of life join the theater.

Drama and plays are fun, interactive, and one of the best ways for children to find like-minded children and form strong bonds of friendship while developing social skills. If you would like more assistance on learning more about teaching functional communication, book a session with Potterhouse today!

Hartigan, P. (2012). Using theater to teach social skills. The Education Digest, 77(9), 30.