Free autism workshops and facilitator training

Free autism workshops and facilitator training

Older children and young adults on the autism spectrum can experience the transformative power of the arts at a Shakespeare and Autism Project workshop. This enriching 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 aged 8-22, and open to members of the autism community. Space is limited to 14 participants and registration is required.

The workshop for children is from 6:00-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 16, 2024, in the G. Gilbert Cloyd Student Commons on the lower level of Galvin Hall at Ohio State Lima. Register for the Shakespeare and Autism Project workshop at go.osu.edu/lima-shakespeare-2024.

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

Hosted by The Ohio State University 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.

Register for Shakespeare and Autism Project Facilitator Training

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 at go.osu.edu/lima-shakespeare-training. The facilitator training is from 4-8 p.m., Monday, October 14, in the G. Gilbert Cloyd Student Commons on the lower level of Galvin Hall.

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 2024-25 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. Read more about the Shakespeare and Autism Project and the Hunter Heartbeat Method on the Department of Theatre, Film and Media Arts website.

For more information, contact Kevin McClatchy at [email protected].

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Artist Laureateactivities are funded by Ohio State's Office of Academic Affairs. In its second year, the Artist Laureate program is designed to help the university expand its impact across Ohio through external engagement.