BODY, VOICE AND EMOTION: THE ROLE OF DRAMATIC GAMES AS AN EXPRESSIVE RESOURCE FOR PATIENTS WITH NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS

Abstract

In Pediatric Occupational Therapy, play is essential for child development, especially in the first years of life, when children learn through interaction and exploration. Bodily, vocal, and emotional expression contributes to identity construction, emotional control, and the strengthening of social relationships. Among the therapeutic resources, dramatic games stand out, stimulating imagination, creativity, and the experience of social roles, especially in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. This study aims to analyze the importance of play as a therapeutic resource, highlighting the role of expression in child development and the contribution of dramatic games to social participation and functional skills. Furthermore, it considers the student's experience in a practical context, in which it was possible to observe that the use of play favors child engagement, improves communication, and contributes to overall development. The results show that play promotes autonomy, participation, and advances in motor, cognitive, emotional, and social aspects.