Spotlight addresses the lack of inclusive social skills training for autistic youth in Europe. With only 16% of autistic adults employed and significant service gaps, the project aims to use impro...

Spotlight addresses the lack of inclusive social skills training for autistic youth in Europe. With only 16% of autistic adults employed and significant service gaps, the project aims to use improv theatre to build essential social, communication, and emotional skills. By equipping youth workers with specialised tools and creating engaging, accessible programmes, Spotlight seeks to empower autistic youth, enhance their employability, and promote their inclusion in various societal settings.

Spotlight will develop and implement a theatre toolkit for youth and a training programme for youth workers, focusing on improv theatre to empower autistic youth in spontaneous social interactions. Activities include training youth workers, engaging youth in the performing arts, and creating a final report. The project will facilitate theatre performances showcasing the skills learned, providing practical experience and feedback to refine the programme and support long-term social integration.

The Spotlight project will produce a comprehensive Theatre Production Toolkit to empower autistic youth to engage in theatre and the performing arts to build core social skills, a Training Programme & Facilitator's Handbook for youth workers to engage youth, a series of Performance Sessions, and a Lessons Learned report summarising outcomes and lessons learned. These resources will enhance training for youth workers and support social skills development for neurodivergent youth across Europe.