The Prosody Project develops vocal timbre and both verbal (melody, volume, rhythm/fluency of speech) and nonverbal prosody (use of eyes, gesture) in adolescents and adults with ASD. Unfortunately, impaired prosody can play a powerful role in forming a negative first impression. As a result the gifts and potential contributions of individuals with prosody deficits often go unrealized. Impaired prosody is in fact one of the most significant obstacles to “social integration and vocational acceptance”. The Prosody Project was developed to eliminate this obstacle and open up social and employment opportunities that might not otherwise be available to these individuals.
Historically, prosody and vocal deficits have been resistant to intervention. Ours is a unique, innovative approach, developed from the perspectives of an operatic baritone/vocal coach and a neuropsychologist. This approach teaches prosody through rules and an understanding of the physical sensations associated with producing effective prosody.
Dunn, M. A. & Harris, L. E. (in press). The Music of Speech: Prosody Intervention for High-functioning Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Press:
Richardson, C. Ex-football player works with neuropsychologist to help change lives of autistic children: Radical speech therapy gives high-functioning clients a voice, NEW YORK DAILY NEWS Monday, April 15, 2013 http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/giving-autistic-children-voice-article-1.1316386
Subbarao, S. How Opera Can Help Young Adults with Autism: A former football player and opera star uses singing techniques to improve the way some autistic teenagers speak http://nycitylens.com/2014/05/how-opera-can-help-young-adults-with-autism/