For Those with ASD, Improv Classes Can Aid Communication
January 24, 2018
By: Kate Thayer, Chicago Tribune/TNS
Source: Disability Scoop
CHICAGO — At the start of a recent improv class, some teens excitedly joined in while others sat off to the side. Others said they’d rather go home. But after a few games, giggles and encouragement from teachers, all the students participated. Parents in the audience clutched their bellies with laughter and beamed with pride.
Trying improv comedy for the first time could be daunting for anyone, but for these teens — who all have autism spectrum disorder — the progress was even more meaningful.
The Second City, which offers improv classes specifically for people on the autism spectrum, this month expanded the program to teens in the Chicago suburbs through a partnership with Lisle-based Giant Steps, which runs a private school for students with autism and offers therapy and other programming. Leaders at both organizations say the fundamentals of improv comedy help improve communication skills…