Shakespeare and Autism Project workshop offers new way to improve communication skills

Older children and young adults who are on the autism spectrum can experience the transformative power of the arts at a Shakespeare and Autism Project workshop at The Ohio State University at Marion in November.

The workshop is designed to create opportunities to explore communication and social skills as well as storytelling and self-expression.

All workshops are free, geared toward participants ages 8 to 22 and open to members of the autism community. Space is limited to 14 participants. Registration is required.

The Shakespeare and Autism Project was created through a groundbreaking, internationally recognized blend of civic engagement, curricular training and research.

Hosted by Ohio State and utilizing the innovative Hunter Heartbeat Method, these creative workshops use the rhythm of Shakespeare’s iambic pentameter to create a structured yet flexible environment for participants to improve their communication skills. Emphasizing skills such as eye contact, spatial awareness, recognition of facial expressions and emotional understanding, the Hunter Heartbeat Method’s use of Shakespeare’s rhythm creates a calming, predictable and enjoyable environment, helping participants build social and communication skills in a play-based, and supportive setting.

Additionally, members of the public age 18 or older are invited to attend a free teaching artist training session to learn how to become a Shakespeare and Autism Project facilitator. Registration is required.

The teaching artist training is set for 4-8:30 p.m. Nov. 4 while the workshop will children will take place 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 6. Both will be held in the Albert Student Center/Greg Swepston Gymnasium at Ohio State Marion, 1465 Mt. Vernon Ave.

All training and workshops will be led by Kevin McClatchy, an associate professor in the Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts and Ohio State’s artist laureate.

Through a 2012-2015 longitudinal study in Columbus-area schools led by Ohio State faculty and Ohio State’s Nisonger Center researchers, statistically significant improvements were observed in communicative and social skills among the Shakespeare and Autism Project workshop participants, validating the effectiveness of the project’s use of the Hunter Heartbeat Method as an intervention.

To register or for information, email McClatchy at mcclatchy.1@osu.edu .

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Shakespeare and Autism Project workshop offers new way to improve communication skills