Zoom Autism Magazine Issue 3 Spring 2015 | Page 27

you pretend to be someone you are not, which is quite common in the autism community, especially for Aspergian girls who have a tendency to be perfectionists and people pleasers, which can lead them to act according to what they think the person will want even if they wouldn’t typically act that way when alone. If we can give our kids the tools they need to help navigate and understand others better, maybe they can find their true selves. Perhaps they can learn to wear a mask for fun, but when it comes time to remove the mask, they will have a stronger self behind it. No longer will they feel judged for being anyone but themselves. Isn’t that what we all really want – a chance to just be accepted for who we are? “Subtleties that so many take for granted are crucial to social interaction.” Drama or Acting Programs in the USA for Kids with Autism and Special Needs Following are just a few of the more well-known acting programs. Depending on the program, principles and methods can vary widely. Some use neurotypical peers to model behaviors and facial expressions whereas others used trained performers to encourage the children to draw on their own creativity. As with anything you try with your children, I recommend researching programs extensively and knowing the principles they are based upon before enrolling your child to make sure t