Abstract

The innovative drama therapy programme develops social skills in children and teens on the autism spectrum by looking to the mirror neuron system as the key to social connection and interaction.

Lee R. Chasen provides an accessible explanation of the approach's grounding in neuroscience, followed by a thirty-session program involving creative tools such as guided play, sociometry, puppetry, role-play, video modeling and improvisation. Scenarios drawn from his own practice provide useful insights into both the practicalities and positive results of this unique approach.

This ground-breaking book will be of interest to drama and creative arts therapists, as well as teachers, school psychologists, counsellors and other professionals who work with children on the autism spectrum.

Lee Chasen brilliantly connects current brain research with the challenges of autism to demonstrate why drama therapy works neurologically and practically as a powerful, motivating therapy for children and youth on the autism spectrum...Pragmatic and playful, this is a valuable resource able to be replicated successfully by other clinicians. I know that I will use it!
Sally Bailey, Past President of the National Association for Drama Therapy and Director of the Drama Therapy Program at Kansas State University
Lee R. Chasen, PhD, RDT, LCAT, is the Founding Director of Kid Esteem Inc., a non-profit organisation dedicated to the social and emotional vitality and empowerment of children, families, schools, and communities. He was awarded the 2013 North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA) Research Award for his groundbreaking work at Kid Esteem Inc., which has also been featured in Newsday, The New York Times, News 12 television and syndicated radio stations across the USA. A drama therapist in private practice, Lee is based in Long Island, New York.