This episode we speak with Dr Kristy Seymour, founder and head trainer at Circus Stars on the Gold Coast.

Founded in 2013 it was the very first circus school in the world to be dedicated to children on the autism spectrum. Circus Stars classes are inclusive, creative, risky and challenging all in a fun and supportive gentle environment and in 2017 Circus Stars was awarded an Autism Queensland Creative Futures Recognition award.

Inspired by Dr Reg Bolton's theory of the 5 key elements of why circus works for children, the Circus Stars Program aims to help young people have fun, learn to take safe risks, build trust in teamwork, encourage individuality, and explore working hard on their skills.

Working her way up from a 19 year old drama and physical theatre student to a professional circus artist, Kristy has worked and trained with Flipside Circus, CIRCA & Vulcana Circus and now also lectures at Griffith University and Griffith College on the Gold Coast.

Dr Seymour has worked tirelessly to create the academic research to prove the Circus Stars method to the clinical and autism communities to the point where her work has been added to Cirque du Soleil's social development department, Cirque du Monde and is now a recommended and reputable program for families and also practitioners looking to expand their own practice by attending the annual Circus Stars' Professional Development Series.

What we love about Kristy and her work with Circus Stars is that her own love of circus - the rebellious, adventurous spirit of circus - embodies everything that she does and infuses her belief that children of all abilities, but especially autism, should have access to the skills, risk and freedom that circus provides.

The Circus Stars Professional Development Series - July 25 & 31, 2021. CLICK HERE for details

For more information on Kristy's work and research visit www.apata.com.au or www.circusstarsasd.com