Using theatre to improve social communication skills in individuals on the autism spectrum

Sense Theatre is a unique intervention research program that brings together theatre techniques and peer actors to enhance social competence in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The program includes theatre games, character development, improvisation, singing, and the performance of an original play with themes of belonging, acceptance, and making friends. Research has demonstrated that the communication and social skills of children with autism can be significantly enhanced through participation in structured theatrical and musical experiences.

Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Researcher: Blythe A. Corbett, Ph.D., Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Psychology
Interviewer: Emelyne Bingham, Senior Lecturer in the Teaching of Music

What is The Promise of Discovery?

“The Promise of Discovery” is a podcast hosted by the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center that highlights research in intellectual and developmental disabilities. The goals of the podcast are to host conversations about research in plain language and to highlight “real world” implications. The discussions cover why the research matters in the lives of people with disabilities and families, how the research impacts and enhances what we know already and/or raises additional questions in the field, and what implications the research might have for policy.