Stars for Kids

Honolulu Chiropractor: I just discovered this post and thought I’d share it. Check out their website.

Drums and Disabilities (DAD) is a non-profit organization that helps children and adults with autism, dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, Tourettes, Asperger’s, Asperger’s, OCD, and ODD to deveop and expand retention, coordination, self-esteem, and physical and cognitive functioning, according to the Web site. 

Visit  http://www.dadprogram.org

Drum Therapy is “an intervention to provide the special needs community with the opportunity to participate in creative, verbal, and non-verbal expression.”  The organization will license psychologists, school systems, occupational therapists, physical therapists, music therapists, and teachers in the DAD method.

The DAD segments strengthen cognitive and social skills and offer a valuable diagnostic tool.  Participants meet goals and grow in self-esteem. 

The site tells us that the DAD program helps participants to

• improve their ability to identify feelings and behavior
• improve communication skills
• channel and discharge strong feelings safely through rhythm
• gain valuable insight into feelings and maladaptive thoughts
• demonstrate improved fine motor skills, retention, and coordination
• demonstrate improved psychomotor skills
• demonstrate improved social skills through a group activity
• gain self-confidence as a major participant in artistic projects
• demosntrate improved tolerance for frustration
• develop personal expression through creative artistic effort

In addition, there is an evaluation component.  A drum therapist is observing the participant in action, as well as the participant’s artwork, creative expression, verbalization, using the DAD Program Assessment.

And interdisciplinary conferences are held for parents, therapists and educators.

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