Dec 6, 2007 6:48 pm US/Eastern
Students Use Drum Therapy To Help Disabilities
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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Drum therapy is a new creative way for children with disabilities to better manage their symptoms.
There is an unusual form of therapy for students with disorders like dyslexia, autism, and attention deficit disorder.
Healthwatch reporter Kellye Lynn reports how a Baltimore County school is helping students with special needs, drum their way to success.
It's called Drum therapy. It's a creative way for children with disabilities to better manage their symptoms.
At the Hannah More School in Reisterstown, students are shaking, tapping, and pounding their way to better health. The conditions vary from dyslexia, to attention deficit disorder, to autism, but in this class there's only one form of therapy.
"I would say it's beneficial for them, psychologically and physically as well," said Laurie Precht, Drum Circle facilitator.
The weekly class is designed to help students become better listeners, communicators, and leaders within the circle and maintain those skills when they leave it.
By the end of the session they're sitting up straighter and smiling. They are more relaxed and it makes them feel better about themselves.
Instructors say drumming can reduce tension and stress, even help boost the immune system
"It's calming. It's better than punching the wall. It's better to do a little drumming and it makes a wonderful sound," said Thomas Davenport, student.
"Before we come to Drum Circle I get frustrated from the other class and I come here and start drumming and it just calms me down," said student Connor Evans.
Proponents of Drum Circles say this form of group therapy can also improve problem solving, patience, coordination and social skills.
The program at Hannah More started last fall and has expanded to two classes.
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