Shakespeare is the Answer

“O, wonder! How many goodly creatures are there here! How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world, That has such people in’t!”

It’s appropriate that the words of Shakespeare come to mind when I stumble upon this heartwarming story about an actress with the Royal Shakespeare Theatre Company in London. She and her colleagues have developed a method to improve communication in Autistic children using Shakespeare’s plays.  Using Shakespeare to Treat Autism Shows Great Promise, Say Researchers

It’s no secret that my son has Asperger’s, a highly functioning form of Autism. While he was not necessarily challenged by verbal communication issues (believe me, when he is engaged in a topic of his choosing he can talk your ear off!) my experiences within the Autism community have led me to spaces where others have struggled to express themselves. It’s not that ASD individuals aren’t thinking and feeling, it’s just that somewhere along the way, the lines get crossed and communication is compromised.

It’s people like Kelly Hunter and her colleagues who think in ways that challenge our typical learning styles that can make all the difference. Ask an Aspie like my son, and he will tell you that progress is made when you look at challenges from quirky angles. It’s widely known that famous Aspie Temple Grandin was encouraged to use her drawing skills as a way to express herself. And other Autistics use music and writing to connect. As I watched the videos and read about the Shakespeare group’s use of Iambic Pentameter, which mimics the rhythm of the human heartbeat, I was reminded that Literature, Poetry, Art and the Stage are as integral to the human condition as the heartbeat itself. 

Watch this here…. and SHARE with anyone who needs a little inspiration to think outside the box:)    Using Shakespeare to Treat Autism Shows Great Promise, Say Researchers

 

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