Effective communication and social understanding help build the foundation of success in various aspects of everyday life.  Improvisation offers a safe and fun space to practice and develop communication skills, where there are no mistakes. It teaches you give and take of communication, how to read body language and vocal inflections and respond accordingly. The objective is to develop better social relating, self-advocacy, and communication skills through real-life scenarios creating personal fulfillment in the workplace, community, and in relationships through a better understanding of the nuances of everyday interactions.

 

So why is improv especially important to those with autism spectrum disorder? Life does not come with a script, and those who are on the autism spectrum may have a more difficult time of it. Social expression, understanding the dynamics of interpersonal communication, and relating effectively in a mostly neurotypical world are challenges for many. While ASD will manifest itself differently in every person, the two most common characteristics are a tendency to avoid eye contact and the inclination to adhere to routine. For these reasons, improv assists students to adapt to change and practice eye contact. It's also something that can be an incredibly fun and positive experience for students by building confidence and trust. The requirements of improv result in social benefits for any participant, but especially for those on the spectrum. The great thing about improv is that there's no right or wrong, it's what you bring to it, making improv classes nonjudgmental while building confidence. Improv teaches the rule of "Yes, and...", which will help participants become more comfortable with the unexpected, feel more accepted by a group and reduces anxiety.

 

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