Improvisers’ experiences across neurotypes of participating in improv comedy

What is it about?

Improv is a subset of theatrical improvisation. Past research has found various potential benefits from improv, including mental health, well-being, and skills and strategy development. This study looked at benefits people gain from improv for autistic and other neurodivergent people, as well as NT people. What I did: 20 adults (10 autistic) were interviewed to discuss what they experienced. We wanted to understand the context within which they gained the benefits, so we spoke about their lives too. What I found: I found benefits within creativity and opportunities, for the arts and in their workplace; acceptance, thinking flexibly and being able to 'roll with it’; social and communication skills and human connection gains; and improvements for their mental health, quality of life and well-being. For just autistic participants, I found that some could go 'full autistic' and can learn why neurotypicals are like they are. As for the context of their lives, I found that life beyond improv provided gains, but the world caused negative impact on autistic people.

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