Drama Therapy and Storymaking in Special Education

Drama Therapy and Storymaking in Special Education is a practical resource book for professionals that covers the broad spectrum of students attending special needs schools, including those with attention deficit disorder, autism and Asperger's syndrome, and students with multiple disabilities. Paula Crimmens places methods of using therapeutic storymaking with this client group within the context of drama therapy. She offers practical advice on how to structure and set up sessions compatible with the special needs learning environment and describes how story sessions can address issues of self-esteem and self-mastery. The group nature of the approach advocated by the author proves an invaluable tool for building social and communication skills. The book includes traditional stories from around the world as session material, numerous examples from the author's extensive experience including guidance on how to devise stories relevant to older students, as well as a review of recent research into the effectiveness of drama therapy in engaging and retaining the attention of students with an intellectual disability.Drama Therapy and Storymaking in Special Education will be a useful practical resource for all professionals working with children with special needs.