Hi Jessica! This is high interest area of mine.
I would recommend checking out the resources at People Like Us. https://peoplelikeusdoc.com/
They have some free resources and PD. You can also reach out to their leaders for assistance. I love getting props in hands. Props we have enjoyed playing with are ribbon wands, Fabric, Slinkys and other instruments. You might be able to build ensemble working with those objects and playing theatre games with the use of those objects, and it requires minimal speaking but you could encourage making noise.
It is so awesome you have a class like this. Good luck.
------------------------------
Brooke Phillips
Director of Theatre Millard West High School
Millard West High School
NE
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 09-17-2025 06:37
From: Jessica Ruffus
Subject: Looking for resources for working with students on the Autism Spectrum
Hello all! My name is Jessie and I work in NYC's District 75. I teach theatre with high school students on the Autism Spectrum.
I am looking for resources to help me in my process - this is my second year teaching professionally and could really use some help in working with the classes who are mostly non-speaking.
Each semester my goal is for each class to have their own show and I was successful last year, but would like to really bump it up this year!
I use a lot of ASL which seems to go over well, but I am having struggling to find exercises that will help prepare the students. I am looking for exercises in the areas of Ensemble, Character Develoment, Rehearsal and Performance. Any and all suggestions are welcome! Thank you in advance!