Shakespeare's Heartbeat

Children on the autistic spectrum experience varying degrees of difficulties; all of which can be understood as a disassociation of mind and body. Expressing feelings, making eye contact, keeping a steady heartbeat and recognizing faces are all part of the autism dilemma which can be explored through Shakespeare’s plays, because of the wealth of his poetic definitions of seeing, thinking and loving.

Over ten years, Hunter worked with children on all points of the spectrum, developing drama games for the specific purpose of combating autism. Shakespeare’s Heartbeat is a step-by-step guide, detailing how to demonstrate, play and share these sensory games.

The book includes:

• games based on A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Tempest

• tips and advice for playing one-on-one with the children.

This book provides an indispensable learning tool for those wishing to encourage children’s eye contact and facial expression, improve their spatial awareness and language skills and introduce them to imaginative play.