Imagining Autism used drama and play-based methods that are in tune with  individual children’s sensory preferences and interests. Within immersive themed environments iA engaged participants through imaginary journeys into fantasy settings using puppetry, objects, light, sound and digital media. Through intensive interaction and improvisation we co-created fantasy environments in which participants and facilitators found new ways of connecting with the world and each other. 

PANDA carries forward the successful methods of  Imagining Autism 2011-2014 and subsequent work by the Imagining Autism team, including Autism Re-Imagined and Playing Apart: Autistic Girls, Identities and Creativity 2018-2021 (https://playingapartautisticgirls.org/)

Over time, the work of Imagining Autism shifted focus from talk of neurodivergent difficulties to recognition of valued differences. This has been underpinned by neurodivergent practitioners and neurodivergent voices informing the shape and direction of work. PANDA accommodates neurodiversity- that is, neurotypical and neurodivergent- recognising different levels of need and support and endeavouring to offer a warm and welcoming environment to practitioners and audiences alike.

Autism Re-Imagined - The Beacon School

In 2018-2019, the iA team worked with the Beacon School, Folkestone, delivering a series of  CPD sessions in understanding autism and the imagination, and training in Imagining Autism techniques for the classroom.

Following this, the school have, within their satellite school in Walmer, Kent, permanently installed an 'Imagining Autism' classsroom within the school.