ABSTRACT

The group of eight children, two facilitators, and eight student interns assembles and begins to get ready for their drama therapy session. They move the chairs into a tight circle and take their seats. The energy is anxious and bubbling over. There is a combination of rocking, hand flapping, and chattering, at a louder-than-normal level—a typical scene for a group of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Andy enters and aimlessly roams the perimeters of the room. He is a sturdy tow-headed boy, who appears much younger than his 10 years, with thumb in mouth and carefree movement. Seemingly unaware of the proper protocol to begin group, seemingly uninterested in the others, he takes his seat only when repeatedly redirected to do so. Andy is considered to be on the severe end of the spectrum. He is nonverbal and requires a 1:1 facilitator during group. The warm-up begins. The ball is passed person to person with eye contact as the targeted skill. Eventually names are added to the exercise. Andy accepts the ball, he passes the ball, but the aim of the exercise seems lost on him. He is participating to the best of his ability. The warm-up takes on a more interactive and multimodal approach, as the group gets on their feet, passing a feeling, and possibly passing a phrase that would communicate a feeling. Andy becomes increasingly disinterested and wanders off, with his assigned 1:1 intern following close behind, attempting to connect with him and keep him engaged. He touches the piano, lies on the gym mats, and very briefly glances at himself in the mirror. He is in constant motion, as he PLAYs cat and mouse with his 1:1. He walks in and out of the circle, at times stopping in front of someone, then moving on. He is not disruptive, and the others continue the exercise without a hitch. He is fully accepted and allowed to participate at his own level. As therapists, we of course want him to be more connected, to use words, to be interested in the activities, and ultimately to be interested in the others.