DRAMA Often children with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome are verbal, however they lack the skills to speak and interact socially. Sometimes, language skills are echolalic - that is, people with autism repeat others' words verbatim. Some parents have noted that their children with autism can actually recite big chunks of dialogue from TV shows andmovies, with precisely the same accent and intonation as the original. Moreover, children with Asperger's Syndrome experience difficulties in basic elements of social interaction, which may include; a failure to develop friendships, to seek shared enjoyments or achievements of others, a lack of social or emotional reciprocity, and/or impaired nonverbal behaviours in areas such as eye contact, facial expression, posture and gesture. Our drama class offers the opportunity for verbal individuals with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome to build on their imitative strengths by actually learning, practising and perfecting "lines" in a fun, supportive setting. It also allows participants to work on social improvisation, practise social skills learned in other settings, work on reading and using body language, and develop speaking skills. Even better, it offers participants the opportunity to actually become actors, star in a show, build confidence, and earn sincere applause. Drama will offer kids the opportunity to experiment with social interaction in a safe, supportive setting. Using modern use of dramatic process and theatre as a therapeutic intervention including; role-play, theatre game, group-dynamic games, mime, puppetry and other improvisationaltechniques children will work on specificareas as such:              *Conversation cues: how and when to start conversation, maintain conversation,           taking turns and more           * Model appropriate behaviours in stressful situations, remaining on                          task,transitions,being patient and more           * Model listening to the teacher, sharing, sitting quietly, taking turns,                  an showing interest in others           * Using Good Manners, Respecting Ourselves, Others and Items, Being Polite           and Courteous           * Building self-confidence not only in performance, but in interactions           * Improve self-esteem; pride in their accomplishments           * Improve recognition of own emotions and others Overview of Drama Therapy Each lesson has 3 types of modifications to fit your child’s needs. Here is a brief overview of the skills that we will be working on with the children throughout the course of the ten weeks.               WEEK 1 Intro to Drama The activities for our first class will encourage eye contact, focus, coordination, imagination, participation, memory and humour. The participants will learn new things about themselves and about each other while taking part in ice-breaker activities. WEEK 2 Mime The students will learn and practice a form of communication through Mime which is non verbal communication through the use of movements and facial expressions. WEEK 3 Emotions This lesson involves discussions about emotions and appropriate ways to express them. This will promote awareness for these emotions in ourselves and in the people around us. This will also give the children confidence to use these actions to show their emotion in their everyday life. WEEK 4 Empathy This lesson involves the use of puppets. Using verbal language and acting out emotions will be encouraged for all children. This lesson will teach the children empathy and how to act in a situation where they must recognize and react to others feelings through the use of puppets. WEEK 5 Body Awareness Today’s lesson focuses on the body and movement. This will help the children become more aware of where their body is and what each body part is doing and when. This helps with coordination, concentration and fluid movements. WEEK 6 Imagination and Teamwork The activities this week will focus on teamwork and problem solving. The children will also learn how to use their imaginations and how to be creative. WEEK 7 Movement This lesson is very physical and focuses a lot on concentration and teamwork. They will work on eye contact and holding eye contact with someone. Various gross motor skills will be used throughout the lesson through fun and educational activities. WEEK 8 Role Plays (1) This week we will talk about events and experiences in our everyday lives and then we will act them out. The children will take on roles as doctors, cashiers, receptionists, parents and other figures in their life. WEEK 9 Role plays (2) We will continue role plays as we work on and expand social skills.   WEEK 10 All In One With Fun This week will be full of activities that will consist of a combination of all of the lessons thus far. The children will dress up in costumes and have a great time!                                                 Next Session PAPILLON LEARNING CENTRE 4265 Sherwoodtowne Blvd. Mississauga, Ont. L4Z 1Y5 (905) 232-2250                        3 Sessions to Choose from  MONDAYS Starting: April 12th* Time: 10 am -11 am Duration: 10 weeks Cost: $375 *No Session May 24, 2010 FRIDAYS Starting: April 9th* Time: 6:30 pm -7:30 pm Duration: 10 weeks Cost: $375 *No Session May 21, 2010 SATURDAYS Starting: April 10th* Time: 3 pm - 4 pm Duration: 10 weeks Cost: $375 *No Session May 22, 2010                                  OLYMPIA LEARNING CENTER 3 Howard Blvd. Waterdown, Ont L0R 2H6 (905) 690-7307 SATURDAYS Starting: April 10th* Time: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Duration: 10 weeks Cost: $375 *No Session May 22, 2010   Contact Us Phone: (905) 690-7307, E-Mail: RachelSmith@Teach2Learn.net