8946 Pre-Conference CEU Session (Additional Registration Required) - "Inclusive Theater: Evidence-based Intervention for Individuals with ASD" [Session has two 15 minute breaks]

Wednesday, July 13, 2016: 1:00 PM-5:00 PM

Studio 2 (New Orleans Marriott)

Qualifies for continuing education credits (pending approval)- additional registration required – $120 (Plus cost of CEUs if applicable) Interactive workshop sharing techniques from The Miracle Project, profiled in the HBO film, Autism: The Musical, on using music, movement, and inclusive theater to enhance communication, increase self esteem and ease anxiety for those with ASD. A published study on the efficacy of these methods will be presented.

Pioneers in using music, movement, and theater as intervention for individuals with autism, Dr. Barry Prizant, Dr. Stephen Shore and Acting Coach Elaine Hall, know the positive impact of the arts. Recently, they participated in a study at California State University Northridge (CSUN), sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), which examined The Miracle Project, an inclusive theater program founded by Elaine Hall. The CSUN study proved what previous anecdotal evidence had suggested: inclusive theater enchances communication, eases anxiety, and promotes trust among individuals with and without autism.

The Miracle Project uses a groundbreaking methodology to provide individuals with autism the tools to build communication, social skills, and greater self-esteem. Hall developed this methodology when traditional therapies did not work for her son diagnosed with autism at age 3. Focusing on the strengths rather than the deficits of autism, The Miracle Project brings out the best in each participant, verbal or non-verbal, with or without a disability. Shared creative and positive emotional experiences ease anxiety and build trust and self esteem. Friendships are made, and a dynamic, supportive community replaces isolation. Students, staff and volunteers create an original musical based on students’ preferred interests. Students once too frightened to even walk into a room of peers, are now confident leaders in their community - enjoying friendships, sleep overs, employment and living their dreams. Participants have performed in venues including at Carnegie Hall and The United Nations and on TV and film. The Miracle Project is requested internationally. In this interactive workshop, discussants will:

Lead activities used to develop abstract thinking, communication, self-expression, self-regulation, friendships and body awareness in children, teens and young adults with autism.
Include personal video testimonials from teens and young adults on their experiences with inclusive theater.
Show video clips of an original musical theater production starring teens and young adults with and without autism
Reveal data from the CSUN study on the efficacy of theater as intervention

At last year's session in Denver, Hall, Prizant and Shore received high-rated evalutations for their combined session with requests for "hands on" experiences. Attendees will now participate in music, movement and theater activities and learn how to apply these with others.

Elaine Hall will lead movement and acting exercises.

Dr. Barry Prizant will address communication and socialization.

Stephen Shore's research focuses on matching best practice to the needs of people with autism.Dr. Stephen Shore will lead musical activities to reach parts of the brain that may be 'scrambled' in indivduals with ASD.

SLPs learn ways that inclusive theater aids in communication; pyschologists and social workers will understand the positive impact of inclusive theater to ease anxiety, and develop social connections.

AOTA, APA, ASHA Session (pending provider approval)

Learning Objectives:

Describe the ways interaction with non-disabled peers can foster trust, communication, and mutual understanding.
Apply methods to enhance self esteem for youth with ASD
Discuss findings from a recent study that examines the positive impact of inclusive theater on youth with ASD

Track: Lifespan 3 - Transition

Content Area: Social Skill

Presenters:

Elaine Hall
The Miracle Project

International Workshop leader and Keynote Speaker; Media Personality; Pioneer in the field of Inclusion, Autism and the Arts; Consultant to and featured speaker at The United Nations; Created the groundbreaking program Inclusion from WithIn (I Win) for faith-based communities; Founder of The Miracle Project.

Barry M. Prizant, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Childhood Communication Services

Dr. Barry Prizant is Adjunct Professor at Brown University and Director at Childhood Communication Services in Cranston, RI. For 40 years, Barry has served as an international scholar, researcher and consultant to autistic individuals, and has published more than 130 articles, chapters and 4 books.

Stephen M. Shore, Ed.D.

Diagnosed with "Atypical Development and strong autistic tendencies" & "too sick" for outpatient treatment Shore was recommended for institutionalization. Non-verbal until four, with support from parents, teachers and his wife, Stephen is now a professor at Adelphi University focusing on matching best practice to needs of autistic individuals.

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