Ms Candy, a special needs teacher for the past 13 years, shares her thoughts with SRT as she ruminates this World Autism Awareness Day, 2 April 2019.

Thank you for the wonderful tactile and sensory drama play that SRT has been providing for younger kids and children with special needs. Indeed, much to the disbelief of a lot of people, in my experience of working with children with special need across a spectrum and all ages for the last 13 years, pretend play is equally important for children with special needs. It allows our children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, motor skill, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Play is important to healthy brain development. It is through play that our children develop essential skills and understanding of the environment around them.  

Having been to some of the SRT tactile and sensory drama play, I am greatly encouraged that it helps children with special need to expose them to a world that they might not have the opportunity to explore and enhance the creativity of the children. This also serve as a resource guide to teachers. Through drama, the story comes alive and the kids are exposed to classical story such as Gretel & Hansel in a fun and interactive manner. 

As we progress into a more inclusive society, drama play will encourage more special need caregivers to bring their children to such events without the fear of being embarrassed by the child’s behaviour. With performances catering to diverse needs, the blind, the deaf and the physical or cognitively high support needs child gets an opportunity to be inclusive in the play.

I’m glad that SRT is doing more so that everyone can enjoy theatre. I encourage caregivers of special needs children or persons to bring them to an SRT Relaxed Performance. 

SRT aims to provide an excellent experience and service for all patrons who may require additional support to access our venue and enjoy our events. Relaxed performances are available for some of our shows, which are performances suitable for audience members on the Autistic spectrum, living with Dementia and patrons with diverse learning and communication needs. Click here to find out about our upcoming Relaxed Performances.