Description
This book teaches drama and immersive theatre-based activities for parents and professionals working with children and young people on the autism spectrum. The exercises follow the author's simple, person-centred '3C pathway' of connecting, calming and communicating, and enable parents to gain an understanding of the challenges an autistic child may face by 'walking in their shoes', while empowering children to become more self-aware and express themselves in healthy ways.
The activities included in the book are tried-and-tested, accessible and easy to implement, such as breathing exercises, mirroring movements, and treasure hunts. Using these activities, parents and professionals can gain insight into the sensory and social challenges experienced by those on the spectrum and can work to build a positive and trusting relationship, offering a secure base for children's emotional development.
About the Authors
Tessa Morton has been a coach mentor and workshop leader for over 30 years. She is a trained drama teacher and BACP registered CBT counsellor specialising in supporting autistic students, their families and schools. She has run drama clubs supporting autistic students to connect and express themselves for 15 years. She founded Act for Autism with Jane and together they have created the acclaimed Connections Workshop, the 3 C pathway and the award-winning Autistic Voices project.
Jane Gurnett holds an MA in The Advanced Teaching of Shakespeare and a BPhil in Autism (Children). She is an actor, teacher of drama and workshop leader, and has written articles published in Advances in Autism (Emerald Publishing) and Good Autism Practice. She co-founded Act for Autism and develops workshops and strategies for the organisation.
Act for Autism delivers country-wide training and present nationally at conferences such as the Autism Show, the National Autistic Society's professionals conference and at universities. In 2020 they won a NAS professionals award for their community projects.
