Courtesy: Studio10.asia
Drum therapy is gaining in popularity as a means of reaching children with autism. For instance, The Drumming for Autism Project in New Jersey started as a “School Peacemaker” program to address the needs of youth through creative self expression then expanded to specifically address autism. The stated objectives of the project are increased and improved socialization and the reduction of anxiety and behavioral problems. Additional, some experts contend that drumming helps individuals access their right-brain which controls emotions, intuition, artistry and relaxation. This is of particular benefit to the child with autism and can provide a type of neurological re-patterning for a concrete thinker.
Drum therapy encompasses hand/eye coordination, vestibular movement and visual perception. How to hold sticks, where to strike the instruments and necessary body movement are all part of an occupational therapy lesson come to life in a meaningful way.
Drumming also provides a functional activity that supports language skills such as categorization, sequencing, predicting, turn taking, listening, problem solving and following directions. The complexity and “call and response” action of drumming mimics and encourages human speech. The structure and repetition of drumming appeals to individuals on the autism spectrum and gives them an outlet for their emotions and a means to channel their energy.
In starting your child’s drum therapy, be sure to give the teacher the heads-up about his or her particular strengths and deficits. learning style and triggers. One-to-one sessions are recommended as a starting point for them to garner the skills to later join a drumming group. Being part of an ensemble is a valuable experience for anyone, but especially for the child with autism challenged by social skill deficits. Finding people who share their special interests is the surest path to friendship for those with autism spectrum disorders.
While formalized drum therapy has its place, so does simply having a drum at home for your child or playing drums with them. How many times has it been said that children with autism march to the beat of a different drummer? Drumming helps them find and keep that beat.
So true! I use drumming in my SpecEd class all the time. Autistic kids, Downs kids, Globally delayed all enjoy it! Thanks for the great article!
Good for you! I wish more special ed teachers did this. Glad you liked the article…
SM
It seems like music therapy is always just getting started by never gains the traction it deserves. It’s been around forever, doesn’t cost much and appeals to everybody. Drum therapy is the best because everybody can beat a drum (some better than others) and once you get a small handful of kids going at it together, they really get into it. I wish more teachers did this too.
Great article! Any resources you can recommend for Drum Set Teachers with special needs students?
I’ve gotten great feedback from parents of my drum students with autism and other special needs. See my website http://www.benpotoklessons.com under the testimonials tab.
This melodic hand drum is having a huge success with my clients that have children with autism. The drum is a low tone, easy simple songs to play and the repition of the songs is stimulating…..Check out our website and contact me for more information….You will love this drum!
http://www.customtankdrum.com
They are made from old propane tanks – transformed in our workshop and custom finished with paint or metal!
Cool. Thanks for the info.
i am interested with the programs, how can i get the way for that? thanks
Not knowing where you live, it’s hard for me to say. Probably the easier thing is a Google search for drum programs in your area.
These approaches fall completely in line with some programs with which I am involved! I work at Saint Francis University, in Loretto, PA, where we have developed a research-based percussion intervention training program. This training was developed in conjunction with Jim Donovan, the founding drummer of the rock band Rusted Root. Jim is also our lead facilitator. We have been offering this training to both institutions and the public since 2011 and have several sessions planned for the summer and fall. Please drop by http://www.percussioninterventiontraining.com for more information!
Thanks,
–Kent
Cool. Thanks for letting us know…
Yes, I agree with the article. I am a drum circle facilitator & neuroscientist in Southern California and have been using drumming for a variety of neurological disorders, including, autism. I have observed drumming therapy to help individuals with autism better focus their disconnected thoughts and movement. And this in turn helps calm the brain and allows better use of other execute functions.
Thanks for your input.