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Study: Shakespeare play helps children with autism communicate

1,480 views · Published 7 May 2018 · 1:44 · Indexed 22 September 2026

Channel: Ohio State Wexner Medical Center · 2018 · Education

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Researchers say social interaction, language and facial expression skills improve

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – In an effort to help children with autism socialize more easily and communicate more effectively, researchers are turning to the works of Shakespeare. In a newly published study, 14 children with autism participated in 10 weeks of acting classes featuring Shakespeare’s play The Tempest.

“Our study found this type of intervention led to significant improvements in social involvement, language skills and even helped some children to better identify facial expressions, which can be a challenge for those with autism,” said Marc Tassė, PhD, lead author of the study and director of the Nisonger Center at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “It was a very effective approach.”

Actors from The Ohio State University’s Department of Theatre worked with the children, using the Hunter Heartbeat Method, a technique that relies on the rhythm and repetition of reciting lines from Shakespearean plays. It was developed by Kelly Hunter, an actress in the Royal Shakespeare Company in London.

“It just blows me away everytime I see it,” said Maggie Mehling, a graduate assistant at Ohio State and the study’s research coordinator for the study. “These children exceeded all expectations with their ability to get engaged.”

“They're taught these core skills in a very relaxed, playful environment,” added Tassė. “It’s almost like they're not aware that they're being taught.”

Learn more about this study: https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/mediaroom/pressreleaselisting/shakespeare-takes-center-stage-helping-children-with-autism-improve-social-skills

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