Autism Corner: Using Improv To Help Kids With Autism Show And Read Emotion
[Source: NPR.org]
It can be difficult to socialize and make friends for many children with autism. Often that’s because reading body language and others’ emotions doesn’t always come easily.
Many of us seem to learn these social skills naturally, but maybe there’s also a way to teach them.
The Psychology Lab at Indiana State University is trying to tap into that idea with improvisational theater.
Yes, improv.
Rachel Magin, a doctoral student here, designed a special class for 6- to 9-year-olds with high-functioning autism. The class explores the various ways people communicate. For instance, “through our facial expressions, through the way our body language shows it, or just the tone of our voice,” Magin says.
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