Have you ever met an actor with autism and wondered how their experience might differ from someone who isn’t autistic?

Are you an autistic actor who is wondering if a career in theatre is even possible with your diagnosis?

I am an actor with Autism spectrum disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined as a developmental disorder that has a direct impact on how a person learns information, communicates with others, behaves in different circumstances, and interacts with society.

While it is not a “one-size-fits-all” diagnosis, I can confirm any actor who deals with Autism spectrum disorder encounters both perks and challenges.

Let’s dig a little deeper into those, shall we?

Here is what nobody is telling you about pursuing theatre with autism:

1. Repetition is the Name of the Game.

Often, individuals with autism are excellent at identifying patterns, memorization, and completing tasks that involve a great deal of routine. They find comfort and ease in doing more of the same.

This skill set is extra handy when it comes to memorizing audition material, learning new choreography, getting off-book for shows, etc. Tap into that natural ability to memorize those lines.

2. Emotional Irregularities Are Common.

A trademark autistic quirk is the inability to properly read emotions, both within the individual themselves and with those around them. However, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing–sometimes this can lead to discoveries in the rehearsal room that no one else had ever considered before, kind of like “playing the opposite” and seeing what happens next!

Tips to enhance emotional recall include practicing facial expressions in a mirror with a friend, studying pictures or magazines of people in different states of emotion, and playing games like charades.

3. Rejection Cuts Deeper Than You Might Think.

No matter who you are, where you’ve been, or what you’ve done–rejection just plain sucks. An actor with autism might be extra sensitive to rejection because they take it too literally or too personally. Instead of getting rejected and thinking, “I wasn’t the right fit for that project. I’ll keep trying,” an autistic actor’s thought might sound more like “I’m not good enough. I’m too weird. They didn’t like me or my work.” A performer with ASD might be more fearful that their autism is the key reason they aren’t getting work. It’s important to recognize these thoughts as they occur. Combat rejection with journaling, positive affirmations, and chatting with friends and family.

It’s no secret that people on the autism spectrum are wildly themselves.

Actors with ASD have specific ideas, methods, and experiences to bring to the table. They need to be heard and their stories need to be told.

Pursuing theatre with autism is achievable–I, amongst many others, am living proof of that!

It doesn’t come without hardships, misunderstandings, and challenges…but I can guarantee you that it’s so worth it.

Emery Dorman is an actress based in Austin, TX. Her current career objective is to share her creative process & knowledge through her own rose-colored lens with as many people as possible. She is on the autism spectrum & is always seeking projects that allow her to indulge her unique method(s) of approaching plays, texts, short films, etc.

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