Abstract

Javier (a pseudonym) suffers from Autism. He attends the local school which offers a specialist unit for those suffering with the disorder. As an alternative to the conventional pharmacological treatments, the school decided to call on the visiting drama therapist to discuss their concerns regarding Javier’s behaviour. Javier was entailed to express his emotions using feeling cards and sound. Initially withdrawn, Javier hesitated to engage with the therapist’s activities. After a few weeks however, the drama therapist and the school alike noted a remarkable change [1]. This once socially awkward boy, who avoided communication and sporadically lashed out, now looked forward to spending time with his peers. In equal measure, he was no longer reluctant to communicate his fears when something went wrong.