Improvised Theatre and the Autism Spectrum: A Practical Guide to Teaching Social Connection and Communication Skills

This guide provides educators, professionals, and parents with an easy-to-follow and comprehensive approach to utilizing improvised theatre as a tool to teach social and communication skills to individuals on the autism spectrum.

Opening with the philosophy of the curriculum and the considerations of mental health, play, and environmental factors on individuals with autism, the book then breaks down specific activities, suggests course sequencing, and explains how each activity works and applies to desired outcomes. Packed with dozens of activities and explanations, the book includes all the information necessary to design a full curriculum or create an at-home learning program for parents.

By combining the fun and engaging atmosphere of improvisational theatre with the systematic teaching of social skills, professionals and parents can cultivate learning in a way that keeps students engaged while providing long-lasting improvements in social interaction, self-confidence, and communication.

Gary Kramer is a producer, director, and actor, and artistic director and founder of the National Comedy Theatre. In addition, he is the executive director of Unscripted Learning.

Richie Ploesch, MA, BCBA, has been working in the field of special education for over 15 years. His specialty is educating students and young adults with autism spectrum disorder. Richie is the program director of Unscripted Learning.