Play- and dramatherapy - complementary techniques for rehabilitation of children with cochlear implant

Abstract

The present interactive research-action-training project, looking at the young cochlear-implanted subjects from a multidisciplinary holistic perspective, was based on the theory on psychosocial development of human beings, the attachment theory, language development theories and the concept of resilience. The integrative approach suggests two creative therapeutic styles (play- and dramatherapy) as means of intervention of neuro-dramatic play. The study starts from the hypothesis that creative therapies will help young children wearing cochlear implants at social integration in the peer groups of normal-hearing children and teenagers. This integrative approach will facilitate developement of teamwork abilities by improving their self-esteem and self-image. We included children and their families in an assisted resilience process with expert paticipation in the field of social and political development of Romanian non-guvernamental organisations. Material and method. The research-action-training project targets 3-18-year-old deaf children and teenagers wearing cochlear implants or hearing aids. The study considered a group of 72 deaf children and teenagers, as well as 49 normal-hearing subjects of similar ages, who were observed during the whole therapeutic program. Specific techniques were: painting, drawing, modelling, sand, miniatures, sensorial and corporal plays, role play, improvisation, body movement, music, dance, mimic and masks. The professional teams (psychologists, dramatherapists, educators, medical assistants, students at the school of play- and dramatherapy, film directors) who worked with and supervised these children and teenagers during the whole project (whose coordinator was helped by 12 volunteers) assured a secured and relaxed atmosphere, observing rules which did not restrict young subjects’ freedom of expression. Results. The positive results show the necessity to implement creative therapies during the auditory-verbal rehabilitation of the young deaf subjects. 42% (of the young subjects) improved their body movements, 27% acquired better projection strategies, 67% ameliorated their ability of interpreting a role, and 72% got pro-risk scores. The results are accompanied by significant images shot during the program activities. Conclusions. Parallelling the audio-verbal therapy, the play- and dramatherapy are important complementary remedial treatments in stimulating the means of expression and communication of children and teenagers wearing cochlear implants.