The Hindu Business Line : Dramatic results

Raising an autistic child, depending on the severity of the disorder, can be an extraordinarily difficult task that can take an emotional and physical toll on parents and family members.

Shaheen Suvarna, a drama therapist at the Asha Foundation which provides services for children with special needs, says, “Currently, there is no cure for autism. However, there are various treatments to ameliorate the symptoms. One of them is dr ama therapy.” This is a form of therapy which uses performance arts to bring about psychological, emotional and social change in autistic children.

Dramatics and arts education are an important means of stimulating creativity. During the process, aimed at being a ‘safe class’, affected children can take as much time as needed to get comfortable and feel secure. They can simply watch instead of participation till they can overcome their fears and inhibitions.

Enough time is given for the child to gain confidence. As there is no spotlight, the child feels safe and this triggers interaction,which is one of the purposes of this therapy.

The teacher is a participant and the child is allowed to lead the activities rather than being guided on some occasions, if needed, she says.

Creative drama can help children learn about emotions, problem solving, co-existence and effective communication. Drama therapy, which works with individuals and groups, assumes that people are intrinsically “dramatic” in their development.

Dance used as part of the therapy is powerful to release blocked feelings, explore group dynamics, improve inter-personal relationships and help in relaxation. A drum circle is a community music-making exercise wherein participants play percussion instruments.

This enables the children to use the group as a support system and develop a sense of self-esteem. The activities, which deal with all the seven intelligences, help in developing imagination, mind-body-speech coordination, and body language (through mimes) — all essential for personality development.

Here, there is room for no mistakes, rather acceptable actions are taught through repetition. The aim is to help children understand the way human beings interact. It also links dramatic arts and subjects such as English, history, social studies and related areas.

The key premise on which this therapy rests is that creative art is a force that has the power to heal.

Through its components of body awareness, modelling, role play, rhythm, and movement, it empowers autistic children to communicate via means other than verbal expression.

It enables them to narrate their stories, solve problems, flush out negative energy, and achieve personal growth.

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Dramatic results