Drum Therapy for Children With Disabilities
Alexa Giovanello from the Daily Record on April 27, 2009 wrote a story about a special drum therapy program. The story was about a professional drummer, whose name is Pat Gesualdo, who had worked with Deep Purple, Kiss and Quiet Riot. Now he is working with children and adults with disabilities. He is the CEO of the nonprofit organization, Drums and Disabilities (DAD). Pat Gesualdo had a severe battle with his disability. Alexa reports that Pat will represent the United States at the International Festival for Different Capabilities in Capri, Italy. Pat Gesualdo will demonstrate the drum therapy techniques at the event. Pat Gesualdo said. "I am so grateful for beating my own challenges and hope to inspire others. It's all about the children, parents and teachers." The program helps children and adults with autism, dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Tourettes, Asperger's, obsessive-compulsive disorder and oppositional defiant disorder. Pat Gesualdo said he goes into schools and works with children with disabilities to help them develop retention, coordination, self-esteem, and physical and cognitive functioning. He has written a book, "The Parent's Guide to Learning Disabilities". Pat learned about drumming through a training course he enrolled in at Rutgers University. He was able to see how drumming can alleviate symptoms and rewire the brain. He now teaches the skill to others.
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