Can learning to play the drums be beneficial to children with neurodiversity?
1. Sensory Integration: For children with sensory processing differences, drumming can help with sensory integration. The rhythmic and tactile nature of drumming can provide sensory feedback and support the child’s sensory processing skills. The act of hitting the drums and feeling the vibrations can be a calming and organising experience for some children with sensory sensitivities.
2. Enhancing Focus and Attention: Children with ADHD or attention difficulties may find it challenging to stay focused on specific tasks. Drumming requires sustained attention and concentration, helping these children improve their ability to focus and engage in an activity for an extended period.
3. Emotional Regulation: Many children with neurodiversity face challenges with emotional regulation. Drumming provides a safe and expressive outlet for emotions and frustrations. The rhythmic patterns and beats can help children release pent-up emotions and reduce stress and anxiety.
4. Improving Motor Skills: Drumming involves coordinated movements of both hands and feet. For children with motor skill challenges, learning to play the drums can enhance their fine and gross motor skills. The repetitive nature of drumming can also help with motor planning and coordination.
Research carried out by Essex University acknowledges the benefits that can come from playing the drums.
“Drumming is a complex activity that involves the co-ordination of multiple limbs to create rhythmic sound. By learning to play the drums, people can improve their ability to concentrate on tasks, resist impulses to act immediately and reduce restlessness. This can be particularly beneficial for people who are neurodiverse”.
5. Social Interaction: Playing the drums in a group setting, such as a drum circle or a band, encourages social interaction and communication. For children with social difficulties, drumming can act as a bridge to connect with others and form meaningful relationships.
6. Boosting Self-Esteem: Success in learning and playing the drums can boost self-esteem and confidence in children with neurodiversity. As they achieve milestones and improve their drumming skills, they gain a sense of accomplishment and pride.
7. Non-Verbal Communication: Drumming offers a means of non-verbal communication. It allows children who may struggle with verbal expression to communicate and connect with others through the universal language of music.
8. Encouraging Creativity: Drumming is a creative outlet that allows children to experiment with rhythm, beats, and patterns. It encourages self-expression and can be especially beneficial for children who may have difficulty expressing themselves in traditional ways.
9. Inclusive Environment: Drumming circles and music groups often embrace diversity and provide an inclusive space for children with neurodiversity to participate and be accepted for who they are.
Learning to play the drums can be a transformative experience for children with neurodiversity. It offers a host of benefits, including sensory integration, improved focus, emotional regulation, enhanced motor skills, social interaction, and increased self-esteem. Additionally, drumming provides an inclusive and supportive environment that celebrates diversity and allows children to connect with others through the universal language of music. If you have a child with neurodiversity, consider introducing them to the world of drumming, where they can discover their rhythmic abilities and experience the joy of music-making.
