Presentation Type
Poster
Becoming Magnificent: Drama Therapy and ASD
Abstract
Becoming Magnificent: Drama Therapy and ASD
Jacqueline Faluade
Mentor: Lisa Powers Tricomi. LCAT/RDT, Loretta Gallo-Lopez, LMHC/RDT/BCT/RPT
With the growing number of Autism Specturm Disorder diagnoses, the cause is still unknown and little research is being conducted in search of the best treatment. This work presents the improved performance of a group of children and teens diagnosed with ASD using drama therapy, through the ACT Project, founded by Loretta Gallo-Lopez, with USF Visiting Assoc. Professor in Theatre, Lisa Powers Tricomi. Drama therapy is used as the treatment modality to address difficulties in social interaction, communication, and imagination, which are common deficits in people who are diagnosed with ASD. The ACT Method, developed by Tricomi and Gallo-Lopez, targets these deficits and applies drama techniques using non directive role play and play building techniques, developing original scripts that culminate in performance. A compilation of notes and videos depict the tremendous change in attitude, personality, and even self appearance of the children over six months displaying that drama therapy is a very effective treatment for children and teens diagnosed on the autism spectrum. If started at an earlier age, the results may be more impacting as a treatment.
Categories
Behavioral Sciences
Research Type
Course Related
Mentor Information
Lisa Powers Tricomi
Becoming Magnificent: Drama Therapy and ASD
Becoming Magnificent: Drama Therapy and ASD
Jacqueline Faluade
Mentor: Lisa Powers Tricomi. LCAT/RDT, Loretta Gallo-Lopez, LMHC/RDT/BCT/RPT
With the growing number of Autism Specturm Disorder diagnoses, the cause is still unknown and little research is being conducted in search of the best treatment. This work presents the improved performance of a group of children and teens diagnosed with ASD using drama therapy, through the ACT Project, founded by Loretta Gallo-Lopez, with USF Visiting Assoc. Professor in Theatre, Lisa Powers Tricomi. Drama therapy is used as the treatment modality to address difficulties in social interaction, communication, and imagination, which are common deficits in people who are diagnosed with ASD. The ACT Method, developed by Tricomi and Gallo-Lopez, targets these deficits and applies drama techniques using non directive role play and play building techniques, developing original scripts that culminate in performance. A compilation of notes and videos depict the tremendous change in attitude, personality, and even self appearance of the children over six months displaying that drama therapy is a very effective treatment for children and teens diagnosed on the autism spectrum. If started at an earlier age, the results may be more impacting as a treatment.
