Brief report: theatre as therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder

J Autism Dev Disord. 2011 Apr;41(4):505-11. doi: 10.1007/s10803-010-1064-1.

Abstract

The pilot investigation evaluated a theatrical intervention program, Social Emotional NeuroScience Endocrinology (SENSE) Theatre, designed to improve socioemotional functioning and reduce stress in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Eight children with ASD were paired with typically developing peers that served as expert models. Neuropsychological, biological (cortisol and oxytocin), and behavioral measures were assessed in a pretest-posttest design. The intervention was embedded in a full musical theatrical production. Participants showed some improvement in face identification and theory of mind skills. The intervention shows potential promise in improving the socioemotional functioning in children with ASD through the utilization of peers, video and behavioral modeling, and a community-based theatrical setting.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Behavior Therapy*
  • Child
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / metabolism
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / therapy*
  • Emotions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / analysis
  • Hydrocortisone / metabolism
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Oxytocin / blood
  • Peer Group
  • Psychotherapy, Group*
  • Saliva / chemistry
  • Social Behavior
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Theory of Mind
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Oxytocin
  • Hydrocortisone