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Community Spotlight: Autism Improvised

January 31, 2025

Autism Improvised is a unique organization founded by Sandy Bruce in 2009, offering individuals on the autism spectrum a supportive space to develop their social and communication skills through improvisational theater. Participants engage in playful and structured activities that help them navigate the complexities of social interactions. Through the magic of improv, the organization provides an environment where individuals can explore and enhance their abilities in a fun and understanding setting. The programs are designed to empower participants, fostering self-confidence and a sense of community.

The Motivation Behind the Initiative 
Sandy Bruce’s journey with Autism Improvised began with her grandson, who is on the autism spectrum and struggled with social interactions. Observing his love for acting, Sandy embarked on a quest to find an activity that could address his social challenges while nurturing his passion. After extensive research, she discovered the potential of improvisational theater to meet these needs. This led to the launch of a successful summer camp, which marked the inception of Autism Improvised. “I knew that my grandson loved to act, and I was trying to find something that would nurture that interest and address his social challenges.” said Sandy. By integrating her grandson’s interests with therapeutic elements, Sandy created a program that has since grown and evolved, helping many others on the spectrum improve their social skills.


Growth and Program Offerings 
Autism Improvised has seen significant expansion since its initial summer camp. Following its early success, the organization developed the Shenanigans program, which paved the way for after-school classes. These programs have been continuously held in East Cobb since 2009 and have expanded to other locations, utilizing community spaces like churches and recreation centers. The curriculum offers regular classes and workshops, allowing participants to engage in structured activities that improve their social skills. By maintaining a flexible and responsive approach, Autism Improvised ensures that its offerings remain relevant and beneficial to its participants.

Community Involvement 
Autism Improvised actively engages with its local community through meaningful partnerships and collaborations. By working with schools and institutions like Georgia Tech, the organization ensures a broad and inclusive reach. These partnerships enable Autism Improvised to hold classes in various community settings, such as churches and recreation centers, creating accessible opportunities for participants to join. Integrating with Georgia Tech’s Excel curriculum and partnering with both private and public schools, Autism Improvised fosters an inclusive educational experience. This engagement reflects the organization’s dedication to building strong community ties and providing diverse and supportive environments for its participants.


Intended Audience and Obstacles 
Autism Improvised primarily caters to individuals from middle school age through adulthood, providing them with tailored programs to enhance their social and communication skills. The organization recognizes the benefits of expanding its reach to younger children but faces challenges such as a limited number of trained instructors. The pandemic further exacerbated these staffing and resource constraints, temporarily halting some initiatives. Despite these hurdles, Autism Improvised remains focused on delivering high-quality, impactful experiences. The organization is actively seeking solutions to expand its teaching staff and secure additional resources to serve a broader audience.

Advantages of Improv Theater 
Improvisational theater offers distinct benefits for individuals on the autism spectrum, particularly in tackling social communication challenges. It provides a safe and supportive environment where participants can explore and express their emotions without judgment. Through engaging activities, individuals learn to recognize and interpret emotions, develop empathy, and understand different perspectives. This helps in reducing anxiety associated with social interactions and promotes emotional regulation. Additionally, the spontaneous nature of improv encourages flexible thinking and adaptability, which are often areas of difficulty for those on the spectrum. Sensory-friendly practices are also incorporated, ensuring that participants feel comfortable and supported throughout the sessions. This blend of creativity and structure allows individuals to gain confidence in their social abilities, making improvisational theater an effective tool for personal growth and development.


Feedback and Experiences from Participants 
Participants of Autism Improvised frequently share their enthusiastic experiences, emphasizing the enjoyment and sense of community they find in the classes. Many begin with uncertainty, not knowing what to expect, but soon discover a welcoming environment that makes them eager to return. The improvisational activities are not only fun but also provide a space where individuals can freely express themselves and connect with others facing similar challenges. This supportive atmosphere fosters a sense of belonging and reduces the feelings of isolation often experienced by those on the autism spectrum. By participating in these sessions, individuals gain confidence and a better understanding of their social abilities. The shared experiences and mutual support among participants create a strong community, where everyone feels accepted and valued. The positive impact of these classes is evident in the growing number of returning participants who look forward to each session.

Future Aspirations and Growth Plans 
Autism Improvised is dedicated to expanding its reach and impact in the coming years. One of the primary goals is to extend program offerings to younger children, recognizing the importance of early intervention in developing social and communication skills. To achieve this, the organization is actively working on recruiting and training additional instructors who share its vision and commitment. “Ideally, if you want to know my big bold, audacious dream is to have our own space where we can have a full-time program,” said Sandy.

To bolster these efforts, Autism Improvised is exploring new partnerships and funding opportunities that can provide the necessary resources and support. These collaborations will enable the organization to maintain the high quality of its programs while reaching a broader audience. By investing in instructor training and curriculum development, Autism Improvised aims to create a sustainable model for growth that can be replicated in various communities.

Additionally, the organization plans to enhance its existing programs by integrating more advanced techniques and methodologies. This includes incorporating feedback from participants and staying abreast of the latest research in autism education and therapy. By doing so, Autism Improvised ensures that its programs remain relevant and effective in addressing the evolving needs of its participants.
Community involvement will continue to be a cornerstone of Autism Improvised’s strategy. Strengthening ties with local schools, community centers, and educational institutions will help create more inclusive and supportive environments. These partnerships not only provide valuable resources but also foster a sense of community and belonging among participants.

Overall, Autism Improvised is committed to continual improvement and innovation, striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum. By focusing on growth and community engagement, the organization aims to provide lasting, positive impacts for years to come. For more information be sure to visit their website at https://www.autismimprovised.org/ and check out their socials https://www.facebook.com/AutismImprovised/ and https://www.instagram.com/autismimprovised22/#.