Research has begun on The Full Spectrum Theatre® Method
We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with La Trobe University’s Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC).
As part of this collaboration, La Trobe University and OTARC are conducting a research study to evaluate the benefits of parts of our program. We’re excited to share that the study has already begun and data collection is continuing.
This research explores the impact of The Full Spectrum Theatre® Method in three key areas for the actors:
✅ Self-confidence
✅ Social connection
✅ Anxiety levels
Meet the Research Team
This study is led by a distinguished team of neurodivergent and allied experts from OTARC, each bringing unique experience and insight to the research:
⭐ Dr. Patrick Dwyer – A neurodivergent scholar focusing on sensory differences, particularly sound intolerance, and neurodiversity-affirming practices.
⭐ Dr. Melissa Gilbert – A neurodivergent scholar who combines her lived experience with extensive expertise in disability, the arts, gender, and program evaluation.
⭐ Dr. Kelsey Philpott-Robinson – An occupational therapist and scholar with a focus on self-regulation and educational engagement.
From L to R: Drew Heriot, Dr. Melissa Gilbert, Dr. Patrick Dwyer, & Dr. Jenny Heriot (Not pictured: Dr. Kelsey Philpott-Robinson).
How THE RESEARCH IS CONDUCTED
We are using information from both actors and their parents to understand the impact that parts of our program have on actors. This includes changes in actors’ confidence, enthusiasm, and connection. Parents of actors who are eligible to participatewill be sent information about the research by Full Spectrum Theatre. Participation in the study is completely optional. All actors receive the same warm inclusive Full Spectrum experience, whether or not they choose to take part in the research.
Why This Matters
When we created this program in 2021, we saw firsthand how theatre could change lives. Many actors experienced meaningful shifts in confidence, connection, and self-expression. But until now, we’ve only had our end-of-term surveys and personal stories to reflect the impact we believe we’re making.
There is already a growing body of research that supports theatre as a powerful tool for growth, social connection, and emotional expression—especially for neurodiverse youth. This collaboration allows us to contribute to that conversation by exploring the real-world impact of the Full Spectrum Theatre Method.
This study gives us a deeper, more objective lens. The insights gained will help us refine and grow our programs—and, for the first time, truly understand the scale and nature of the difference we’re making.
Over time, we hope this research also helps raise awareness among professionals and policymakers about the important role creative, community-based approaches like theatre can play in supporting neurodiverse youth.
As the support landscape continues to evolve—particularly within the NDIS—we remain committed to grounding our work in evidence.
📢 Stay tuned—we’ll share updates and findings as they become available.
