Mission / Affiliates
Several years ago, The Wayfinder Experience became involved with Dr. Valerie Paradiz, Executive Director of ASPIE, the School for Autistic Strength, Purpose and Independence in Education. The response from the students was overwhelming. Students seemed particularly encouraged by our methods and programming, and were markedly affected by the opportunity to personify the archetype of the hero. We have been working with a number of different organizations since that time with great success. In 2006 we ran our first summer programming specifically designed for individuals on the spectrum. This year we are running four weeks of camp with the Open Center for Autism. Please visit their site for more info.
Utilizing improvisational theatre and non-competitive games, Wayfinder offers a social pragmatics teaching method that allows participants to develop strong social skills and address core deficit areas of perspective-taking, non-verbal cue reading and social self esteem while participating in fun and stimulating theatrical games.
Our mission is to explore the benefits of creative dramatic techniques, improvisational theatre, character development, status/social strata and voice & body awareness training. Such activities are the backbone of theatrical performance and have now been modified to address the needs of individuals with Asperger's Syndrome and related disorders through innovative methods.
The Wayfinder Experience does not claim to be experts in special education; all we know is that this program appears to work remarkably well for students with Asperger's Syndrome and other forms of high-functioning autism. If you are a learning center or specialized school, we would be very glad to hear from you. Wayfinder is comfortable running both programs for students and training workshops for teachers or staff.
Return to Top
We are proud affiliates with the Open Center for Autism, which provides us with professional support in researching and developing our programs. They can provide a licensed psychologist, speech pathologist and physical therapist upon request.
Valarie Paradiz
The Spotlight ARC Program
Return to Top
