Abstract

Asperger's Syndrome is a Pervasive Developmental Disorder characterized by social dysfunction (APA, 2000, Elder et. al., 2006, Epp, 2008, Rogers, 2000). Children who have been diagnosed with this disorder have difficulty reading body language, facial expressions and tone of voice, use concrete language and often have deficits in regards to pragmatics. These defining characteristics often cause great difficulty in social interactions (Elder et. al., 2006, Tubbs, 2008). Studies illustrate however, that despite their social difficulties, adolescents living with Asperger's Syndrome still often experience loneliness and desire friendships (Muller, Schuler & Yates, 2008). Though many various therapies and techniques have been utilized to increase social skills and enhance positive peer relationships, there appears to be no research on the efficacy of the use of Drama Therapy with adolescents who have been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. This research paper provides a literature review on Asperger's syndrome and social development, culminating with a proposal for a drama therapy program to be implemented into high schools, with the purpose of increasing the social skills and positive peer relationships of adolescents living with Asperger's Syndrome.