The pilot investigation evaluated a theatrical intervention program, Social Emotional NeuroScience Endocrinology (SENSE) Theatre,
designed to improve socioemotional functioning and reduce stress in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Eight children
with ASD were paired with typically developing peers that served as expert models. Neuropsychological, biological (cortisol
and oxytocin), and behavioral measures were assessed in a pretest–posttest design. The intervention was embedded in a full
musical theatrical production. Participants showed some improvement in face identification and theory of mind skills. The
intervention shows potential promise in improving the socioemotional functioning in children with ASD through the utilization
of peers, video and behavioral modeling, and a community-based theatrical setting.
Keywords Autism – Theatre – Cortisol – Video modeling – Social – Stress
SENSE Theatre—a stage of hope for children with autism—is a unique theatrical intervention research program designed to improve
the social and emotional functioning of children with autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders. It is an Internal Revenue
Service (IRS) 501(c)(3) non-profit organization expressly established to provide a community-based program dedicated to serving
the autism community (see www.sensetheatre.com). The participants in the investigation were part of a full musical production of Disney’s “The Jungle Book Kids” that was
produced by SENSE Theatre and Davis Musical Theatre Company and performed for the public.