Every new experience fires neurons in your brain that did not fire together before.
For people with autism, improv presents an opportunity to socialize.
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She is a partner and clinical director for Sweeney, Augustin and Associates.
Molly Fisher grew up in a northern suburb of chicago, Kenilworth.
She graduated from St Lawrence University with a BFA in Speech and Theater.
Carmen Augustin, MSW, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, receiving her degree from the University Of Illinois Jane Addams College Of Social Work. She is a partner and clinical director for Sweeney, Augustin and Associates. She has over 35 years of experience working with children, teens, and adults with ASD and other developmental disabilities and their families. Ms. Augustin is a RDI® Program Certified Consultant, receiving her training and supervision from Dr. Steven Gutstein and Dr. Rachelle Sheely of the Connections Center in Houston. Ms. Augustin has presented at numerous conferences including AutismOne, Northern Suburban Special Education District and the International Fragile X Conference.
While she was at New Trier she was also the director of No Questions Asked Improv.
Another love of Mollys is dance.
Nick Johne currently lives in Chicago with his wife and daughter.
At one point, a student lets out a Zap!
towards a thin, dark-haired student wearing a black fedora.
Johne sees it as an opportunity to chime in.
OK, cool, cool, guys.
So, what happens if we get the order off?
A tall high school student named Nick responds: We go with the flow!
Carmen Augustin, MSW, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, receiving her degree from the University Of Illinois Jane Addams College Of Social Work. She is a partner and clinical director for Sweeney, Augustin and Associates. She has over 35 years of experience working with children, teens, and adults with ASD and other developmental disabilities and their families. Ms. Augustin is a RDI® Program Certified Consultant, receiving her training and supervision from Dr. Steven Gutstein and Dr. Rachelle Sheely of the Connections Center in Houston. Ms. Augustin has presented at numerous conferences including AutismOne, Northern Suburban Special Education District and the International Fragile X Conference.
Totally, guys, thats it.
We go with the flow, says Johne, who passes a Zip!
to Jonathan, a shorter student with sharp features and a wide smile.
But the words carry particular weight for tonights groupeight individuals on the autism spectrum.
This exercise challenges bothand the students are only 10 minutes into the class.
For somebody who is on the autism spectrum, improv should be their worst nightmare, says Fisher.
But thats the reason why were here.
Its not their worst nightmare.
Its something that can be really amazing and really fun.
For somebody who is on the autism spectrum, improv should be their worst nightmare.
But thats the reason why were here.
Mid-class breaks are long to give students a chance to relax and connect with one another.
Jonathan continues to discuss films with classmates, and now everyone in the room pays attention.
This jot down of socializing is why Johne and Fisher decided to hold the class on Friday nights.
Thats the great thing about improv.
Theres no right or wrong; its just what youre bringing to it.
You have to be willing to get a little messy.
Its a lesson that can extend far beyond classroom doors, too.
Theres no straight path here, and thats liberating.
Thats the great thing about improv.
Theres no right or wrong; its just what youre bringing to it.
You have to be willing to get a little messy.
After the break, partner scene work beginstonight, with a focus on object work.
Next up is a scene from a goateed student named Chance.
Heres your spoon, heres your pot.
Now lets stir it.
Fisher asks him what hes stirring.
Stir, Chance says.
Macaroni and cheese, he says, elongating the e of the last word.
Do you like macaroni?
Chance looks up at her.
Yes, he says enthusiastically.
Can you make me some bowls?
He looks at her, then looks at the air in front of him that holds the bite.
He starts to blow on it.
As they wrap up the scene, Fisher asks one more question.
Finish this sentence for me, Chance.
Mac and cheese is…?
Good, he says, looking directly at his instructor.
Applause from the entire room ensues.
Until that moment, it was silent.
Chance takes his seat as the next students take the stage, and Fisher pats him on the back.
Great work, buddy.
It was really good to hear your voice.
When we first started working together, Chance wasnt always as present.
He knows that its a game and that were playing together.
He almost always says, Yes.
When he does arrive to class, Fisher says its with a smile on his face.
It seems like he really wants to be here.
Its the same reaction expressed by several of Augustins clients.
I once had a client teach me the game What Are You Doing?
He was having so much fun with it.
At one point, Fisher asks them to lead with their shoulders.
Johne turns to Miles and asks him to describe his character.
What would his voice sound like?
Probably…probably like the Joker, says Miles.
Johne, walking in circles with the group, asks Miles if the class can hear it.
No, no, no, Miles stops walking and shakes his head.
Definitely not, my voice is not capable of going that low.
Miles, can you keep walking just as you were?
Miles starts his walk again and considers Fishers question.
Its hard to move and think at the same, he says.
Trust me, thats why Im having you do it, says Fisher.
Can we hear a little sound of what this character might be like?
The students continue to walk in circles, shoulders first.
A few moments of silence pass.
Then, Miles summons a deep, belly-low noise that nearly halts his fellow participants in their tracks.
They start clapping at once, and Miles smiles as he continues his pace.
Four have already gone up, and theyre waiting on one more.
Nick pauses and looks at Chance, and Fisher does as well.
Chance, Fisher starts.
Do you want to watch this round or go up?
A moment passes, and everyone remains silent.
Chance looks at his teacher, then at his classmates before him.
Up, he says.
…
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