Image licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Theater is meant to be a sensory experience, but for some autistic children, the sounds and lights are overwhelming. Children with sensitivities to light, sound, and touch can’t filter all of this input and can react in different ways. For families with autistic children, going to the theater can be a stressful experience. Trinity Repertory Company, in Rhode Island, has created a innovative theater experience for these families. The house lights are kept on throughout the performance, there are places for children to get out of their seats to move around and sounds are toned down. Trinity Rep also makes a video that prepares children for the entire experience, from the curtain going up through clapping at the end of the performance. Listen to hear more about how children and families respond to this sensory-friendly performance.
Story Length: 6:42
Socrative users can import these questions using the following code: SOC-1234
November 26, 2015
2:58
One in 68 American children are on the autism spectrum, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s an increase of ten-fold over the last 40 years. The symptoms of the syndrome include a lack of desire to make friends, social awkwardness and a preference to spend time alone. In this conversation between a mother and her twelve-year-old son who has Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism, the two come to understand each other’s view of the world. They discuss animals and friends and happiness.
Read MoreAugust 20, 2014
4:16
Which has a bigger impact on brain development, time in the classroom or time on the playground? New scientific evidence shows that structured free play has a significant and positive effect on children's brain development and social interactions. Scientists who study the effect of play on rats have found that 1,200 genes are activated when rats engage in play and one-third of these genes are significantly altered. Listen to learn how recess and play could impact academic performance.
Read More