Shakespeare and Autism

IMPACT. 1: This project includes a full, randomized control study of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Anecdotal evidence indicates that drama-based intervention is a useful tool to improve the core symptoms of ASD in children and adolescents. -- 2. Kelly Hunter, former Royal Shakespeare Company actress, and Robin Post, Ohio State's project director, have trained a team of Ohio State graduate and undergraduate theatre students; they are implementing Hunter's signature approach, the Hunter Heartbeat Method, which pairs the recitation of Shakespeare's rhythmic language with physical gesture in a way that is accessible to those with ASD. A service-learning course has been developed at Ohio State to ensure that this work continues into the future.OSU PARTNERS: Department of Theatre; Nisonger Center; College of Arts and Sciences; Wexner Medical CenterCOMMUNITY PARTNERS: Kilbourne Middle School; Nationwide Children's Autism Treatment Network; Columbus City Schools; Royal Shakespeare Company Families, children, and care-givers within the Columbus communityPRIMARY CONTACT: Robin Post (post.68@osu.edu)The Shakespeare and Autism Project, a longitudinal study, asks the following research questions: Will drama, using Shakespeare, break through the communicative blocks of autism? Can the intervention have long-term benefits