Dramatherapy and Autism

by Deborah Haythorne, Anna Seymour

Using extensive examples from practice with a range of client groups, Dramatherapy and Autism confronts the assumption that people with autism are not able to function within the metaphorical realms of the imagination and creativity. It demonstrates that not only are people who function along the spectrum capable of engaging in creative exploration, but that through encountering these processes in the clinical context of dramatherapy, changes can be made that are life enhancing. Bringing in cutting-edge research and practice on dramatherapy, Dramatherapy and Autism aims to contribute to developing the theory and practice of creative arts therapies interventions with clients with autism. The book is part of the approaches, relationships, critical ideas series, in which leading practitioners and researchers in the field develop the knowledge base of this unique discipline, whilst contextualising and acknowledging its relationship with other arts and therapeutic practices. Dramatherapy and Autism will be of interest to a broad spectrum of readers, such as dramatherapists in practice and training, arts practitioners and academic researchers engaged in multidisciplinary enquiry.

190 pages, Hardcover

First published May 7, 2016

Reviews

[Thalia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wish there had been a bit more theorising, this is a collection of case studies. Feel like it seeks to show dramatherapy can "treat" autism which is pathologising, but it is also normalising the idea among professionals that autistic people use metaphor which is good

[Nicky Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly informative, compelling book, detailing the potential for dramatherapy to support people with autism

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only book of it's kind on the subject of Dramatherapy and Autism.