Virtual School....????!?!

Tonight in Innovative TR we had a guest speaker come talk to us about the Wisconsin Virtual Learning Academy! I have taken a few online classes, but never really thought of the possibility of being enrolled in a full time online/virtual school for college, let alone for elementary or high school! It was so interesting to hear his background story about how he got into the field of Special Ed and about all of the experiences he has had working with different disability populations, especially with Autism. However, while he was presenting there were many pros and cons about virtual schools that were running through my mind.

First I'll start with the pros:
          1.  Less Distractions---Especially for kids with disabilities, focusing on school work can be a really hard thing when there are so many distractions in a traditional "brick & mortar" school. With a virtual school, learning in each individual's natural environment can remove many distractions and allow the environment to be controlled which allows more learning to occur!
        1. Individualized Plans--For kids that have specific education issues that need to be addressed, virtual school can be a lifesaver for those kids. For example, if a child is 3 levels below what they should be in math, but is doing accelerated spelling work, it is usually hard to help get them back up to the level they need to be in math without having extra time dedicated to that subject. The concept of virtual school makes sense for those kids who aren't consistent in all subjects with their grade level so they can provide more work on that specific subject.

One of the major cons of virtual school that I thought of was:
             1. Socialization-Although I see the valuable benefits of virtual education for kids with disabilities, I am concerned about the socialization issues that arise from not interacting with kids in a "brick and mortar" school. While I do understand that for some kids with disabilities, other kids can be a distraction that severely hinders the learning process for them, at the same  time, it concerns me that they are not able to be inclusion into a "normal" atmosphere with other kids-----one of the main principles of TR! I do understand that through virtual school, the kids do go on field trips and have opportunities for social events, but I think that it still definitely hinders their development of social skills.
         Also, the experience of interacting one-on-one and face-to-face with instructors and peers in group projects and presentations, etc are extremely important life skills to learn. Although there are "video chats" available with instructors, I feel that the direct face-to-face conversations are the only way to grow in those type of social skills.

Here's an interesting article I found about a mother blogging about considering a virtual school for her child with Aspergers Syndrome. I work with a 12 year old 6th grader who has Aspergers, so all of the challenges she discussed about the structure of a "brick and mortar" school I have seen first hand in his school. However, I do think that trying to keep him in a traditional school really is the best choice, because in the end, learning to cope with all of the many challenges a traditional school offers is of extreme benefit for a kid with Asperger's. While they may have an easier time focusing on their studies while being home-schooled/virtual schooled, the only way they can truly learn the social skills necessary to survive in life is through the daily interaction with their peers.

All in all, I think virtual schools can be very helpful and productive for many children, but I think it has to be researched and looked into in-depth before the decision is made, because it is a very important decision that will affect the child for the rest of their life.

PUPPETS!!!!!!!!!

So I know my Innovative TR class is supposed to introduce us to many new and exciting things in the world of TR, but I had no idea I would ever learn how to do puppetry!!! In our latest class, we learned about the Kids on the Block puppet program, which was founded in 1977. I remember having some of the puppets coming into my elementary school talking about different types of disabilities and social issues and thought they were very cool! In class, Dr. Navar brought in a few of the KOB puppets that our TR department actually owns. I was shocked to learn that each puppet costs about $1,000 dollars to make!!!
We got to play with the puppets and watch a video on how to actually use them and make them "come alive" to the audience. The video described the "7 skills of Puppetry" including articulation and gestures. We got to attempt our skills with the puppets... but I definitely don't think I succeeded. It is super hard to match the puppets mouth with your words and get their bodies to move properly! It was a lot of hard work. I have much respect for the puppeteers---they have a lot of skills!

"The Kids on the Block, created in 1977, features life size puppets who, through the magic of live puppet theatre, teach children and adults about disabilities, medical and educational differences, and social concerns. Through the hard work and dedication of many community based groups, The Kids on the Block puppets are able to touch the lives of people all over the world."

After we watched the video and attempted at puppetry, we discussed how puppets in general could be used in various TR settings. My group discussed that a major target population for puppets like the KOB puppets would be in a Child Life area. We concluded that pairing the puppets with medical play to help explain procedures and get children to talk about their feelings about their specific illness/diagnosis would be extremely beneficial. In general, we discussed that while using the KOB puppets or any more human like puppets can be successful with the adolescent/older adult population when discussing feelings, they may not be the number one therapeutic tool of choice as many people in that age group may not respond to the life-like doll puppets in the same way children will. However, as a class we talked about how other types of puppets can be successful for all populations. Examples we came up with included: shadow puppets, sock puppets, paper bag puppets, finger puppets, and paper doll puppets. Creating their own puppets offers clients the opportunity to explore their own creativity to express themselves in the way that they want to. The possibilities are endless-- all ages can make the puppets their own and can put on their own skits for whatever TR program is being administered. Other possible successful populations puppets can be used for are with different types of addiction and eating disorders. I really like the idea of the creativity of having clients make their own individualized puppets that can help them work through their issues with their disabilities and help make them more self-sufficient people in their everyday lives!

Got Milkbone?

Homemade natural dog treats have definitely become a booming business in the past few years. I stumbled upon this article in the East Valley Tribune in Mesa, Arizona that described the business of "Gryphen's Dog Treats" that is integrated into the treatment program at Gryphen Specialty Products Services in Tempe, AZ. The center is a treatment facility for people with developmental disabilities that offers strategies for its clients to use their many skills and talents to their benefit. They have many day programs and vocational programs that help clients eventually become integrated not only into the workplace, but into the community. Check out their website if you'd like more information about their services.

The article described how their "Gryphen's Dog Treats" program plays a vital role in client's treatments. They kneed, cut and roll the dough and bake the "Got Milkbone" treats and help package them as well. The article explains many of the benefits the workers get from the experience:

"It helps a lot,” Gryphen therapist Peter Graf said. “The skills they learn in doing this business — how they make the treats, weigh them out, package and sell them — those are part of life skills that they need. …"

“They see their efforts rewarded,” Jones said. [clinic site manager] “They can go out and pay for their movie or dinner if they want. They can be regular working people.”

“Day-to-day, you don’t see a lot of changes, because nobody changes that much in a day,” Jones said. “But when you look back a month or three months ago, you see somebody who would have slammed the wall in frustration take a moment to deal with his feelings in a more productive way. Someone who didn’t (want) anything to do with now takes an active role on the team, making the dog treats.”

I think this is a really unique and innovative program to help people with disabilities realize their potential to be integral members of society and to channel their energy into something good for themselves and their community! 

Read the entire article here!

Ice Ice Baby!

So now that spring is just around the corner, I started thinking about all of the fun winter activities you can do in La Crosse! I love ice skating, even though I'm not very good at it. Since I don't know much about it, I decided to look up more about

adaptive ice skating.

It seems pretty obvious to me that almost anyone with a disability can ice skate with a little help, but there is some innovative adaptive equipment people can use if they need a little more support. Here is a description of adaptive equipment according to United Cerebral Palsy.

 Skates and Walkers 

Prosthetic skates are available for individuals with leg amputations. For more information, contact Chedoke Rehab Services.

Three skate models are available through SABAH. Model 1 is designed for people with Down's Syndrome or surgically corrected clubbed feet and is cut wider than a standard skate. Model 2 is designed for skaters who wear ankle foot orthoses (AFOs), supra-malleolar orthoses (SMOs) or reciprocating gait orthoses (RGOs). These include people with cerebral palsy or spina bifida. Model 3 is designed for all skaters with disabilities who would benefit from a skate with the greater comfort provided by softer leather and increased ankle padding.

Three models of walkers are available through SABAH. Model 1 can be used by beginning skaters as well as skaters with disabilities. Model 2 is designed for skaters with disabilities who are able to walk or bear weight for limited amounts of time. Examples include skaters with cerebral palsy or spina bifida. Model 3 is designed for skaters with disabilities who have limited or no ability to bear weight.

As you can see, through the use of prosthetic skates and the different skate models, anyone can get out on the ice!

SABH (Skating Athletes Bold at Heart), an organization that is dedicated to helping all kinds of people with disabilities experience the benefits of therapeutic ice skating. According to their website, these are the kinds of disabilities they most frequently work with on the ice.

• Cerebral Palsy
• Mental Retardation
• Developmental Delays
• Down Syndrome
• Hearing Impairments
• Scoliosis
• Speech Impairments
• Neurological Impairments
• Vision Impairments
• Congenital Heart Defects
• Spina Bifida
• Autism
• Multiple Disabilities
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Hemophilia
• Emotional/Behavior Disabilities
• Learning Disabilities
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders
• Heart Transplant
• Congenital Myopathy
• Amputation
• William's Syndrome
• Cancer

In addition to recreational ice skating, people with disabilities can also compete in it as a sport. In the Special Olympics, there are two categories: figure skating and speed skating. In figure skating, there are many events offered for both men and women, singles and pairs. There can be a team of a person with a mental retardation paired with a person without mental retardation.

Look at this guy from Special Olympics New Zealand doing a program to the Pirates of the Carribean! 

In speed skating, there is a range of different competitions, from individual to team. They also offer a competition for individuals with lower ability levels to participate in called the 25-meter-straight-away-sprint.

For more info about Ice Skating in the Special Olympics, check out their website!

D A N C E!!!!!!!!!!

I have been a dancer since the age of three. It is one of my passions that has been prevalent throughout my life and I know I would be lost without being able to participate in dance in some form. While most people think you have to be able to walk to dance, 
Wheelchair Dance defies all of those previous misconceptions. I think what is so innovative about it besides the obvious is that you can be a wheelchair dancer whether you are a paraplegic or quadriplegic! If you have the determination and willingness to dance, you can! Dance is such a beautiful art form, and I love how extensive wheelchair dance has become throughout the world! The Wheelchair Dancesport USA Association has a lot of good information on the sport of Wheelchair Dance.

Q: So where did Wheelchair Dance begin?

A: In Sweeden in 1968! Els-Britt Larsson was one of the pioneers of the sport.

The mission statement of the Wheelchair Dancesport USA Association as stated on their website is:

"A

s a non profit association, is to promote, initiate and stimulate the growth and development of Wheelchair Dancesport in the United States 

of America. 

This is accomplished by providing wheelchair dance programs, organizing classes, performances, training camps and seminars for those serving children and adults with disabilities, as well as supporting recreational and competitive wheelchair dancers and able-bodied dancers. This emphasizes to the public the healthful aspects of wheelchair ballroom dancing; its physical, mental and social benefits." 

There are many different forms of Wheelchair Dance---whatever forms "able-bodied" dancers are able to do, wheelchair dancers can do as well!

The types of competitive dances include 

 the waltz, tango, Viennese waltz, slow foxtrot, and quickstep.

Latin-American dances include the samba, cha-cha-cha, rumba, paso doble, and jive.

The Forms of Wheelchair dance are divided up into these categories:Combi dance - a wheelchair user dances with an able-bodied partner.
Duo dance - two wheelchair-users dance together.
Group dance - wheelchair users only or together with able-bodied partners.
Single dance - a wheelchair user dances alone.

Here is a super cool video of a International Wheelchair Dance Championship! They are so awesome!

There is even a special program that they created where kids in wheelchairs can do Ballroom dancing! Here is the flyer on their website that explains some goals that kids learn during the dancing process:

I would love to see a Wheelchair dance competition in person! I think this would be a good way to incorporate arts into the field of TR. This would definitely be an avenue that I would look into doing some volunteer work/future job work with!

Just Keep Swimming, Swimming Swimming....

Okay, so I have Finding Nemo on my mind...
   But it got me thinking to the field of Adaptive Aquatics!

I took the Adaptive Aquatics course offered at UWL for fall semester. I learned a lot about the various techniques used in Adaptive Aquatics, like Watsu, Bad Ragaz, and the Halliwick Method. I think they are all very innovative in their techniques, and offer benefits for many different populations! I really liked learning about the Watsu technique, so I am going to explain a little bit about what Watsu is and how it can be utilized in a TR setting!

 So this nice looking man below is Harold Dull, the founder of Watsu aquatic therapy! 

Harold Dull, creator of Watsu!    

Watsu means "Water Shiatsu" and translates the stretching principles of Zen Shiatsu (done on land) in water! According to the Watsu website:                                                      "Stretching strengthens muscle and increases flexibility. Warm water, which many associate with the body's deepest states of waking relaxation, is the ideal medium. The support of water takes weight off the vertebrae and allows the spine to be moved in ways impossible on land. Gentle, gradual twists and pulls relieve the pressure a rigid spine places on nerves and helps undo any dysfunctioning this pressure can cause to the organs serviced by those nerves. The Watsu receiver experiences greater flexibility and freedom. During Watsu a range of emotions can come up and be released into the process of continuous flow. This reprograms receivers to face life out of the water with greater equanimity and flexibility."

Some of the populations that have been reported to experiencing benefits from Watsu include:

traumatic brain injury

spinal cord injury

strokes

Parkinson’s Disease

arthritis

cerebral palsy

chronic pain

fibromyalgia

ankylosing spondylitis

post mastectomy

post thoracic surgery

post traumatic stress disorder.

What I think is so innovative about Watsu is that it benefits almost every disability population. Of course, there are some contraindications for Watsu which include 

• Fever over 100 degrees
• Uncontrolled epilepsy
• Cardiac failure
• Significant open wounds
• Respiratory disease of vital capacity less than 1500cm²
• Severe urinary tract infection
• Blood infection
• Tracheostomy
• Bowel incontinence
• Menstruation without internal protection
• Infectious disease

As a CTRS, I think becoming certified in all types of Aquatic Therapy would be extremely beneficial. It is something that can be implemented as part of the therapy program for many different clients of all populations and ages!

While there are many different stages and sequences to a Watsu therapy program, here is a video showing an example of a basic Watsu sequence: 

There are a number of Watsu classes and conferences offered around the world every month. Check out the link for more information on how to get certified in Watsu Aquatic Therapy.

Woof Woof!

I have known about Animal Assisted Therapy for awhile, and have seen it in action while shadowing an Occupational Therapist at a hospital. Being an animal lover, I know how therapeutic animals and how helpful they can be in the healing process! 
         In addition to using animals for therapy in hospitals, they can also be utilized in homes with people with disabilities. I knew about assistance dogs for people who are blind, but I came across a  cool organization that raises and trains "Assistance Dogs"--called Paws With A Cause that had an webpage on the different types of service dogs they can train. I already knew about service dogs for people who have vision and hearing impairments, but I was very interested to learn that they can now train dogs to assist the client while they are having a seizure and to help children with Autism.


Here's the description of what exactly a "Seizure Response Dog" does from the "Paws With a Cause" website:


          "A dog can be trained to (among other things) push life-alert buttons, help and/or comfort a person during a seizure and get help or retrieve the phone for the client. Although we do not profess to train dogs to detect seizures, several of our Seizure Dogs have, after several years with a client, developed the ability to alert their owner of an oncoming seizure. Seizure Response Dog training takes approximately 6 - 9 months at the PAWS National Headquarters and Training Center. PAWS trains Seizure Response Dogs for individuals 14 years of age and older."


(^A dog that can learn to predict someone's seizure?! How crazy cool is that?!?! I think that is a pretty innovative tool that a CTRS can use to complement therapy/use during therapy sessions. Having a dog like this would offer the person with epilepsy increased comfort and independence to participate in different leisure activities that they may not have been able to before because of their fear of having a seizure when they are alone.)

Now, here is a little more information about how children with Autism would receive benefits by having an Assistance Dog in their home:

"In June of 2009, PAWS began a two-year pilot program for families living with Autism. The Service Dogs for Children with Autism program at PAWS places highly-skilled Service Dogs with children with Autism. The program's goals include having the dog help with social interactions and relationships; help with verbal and nonverbal communications; help increase a child's interest in activities or play; and help decrease overall stress within the family and home life.

To children with Autism, everyone, everywhere and everything is 'outside' of their world. Dogs can break into this world by always being there when they are needed by the child; dogs don't pass judgment on a child, like humans tend to do. By nature, the dog does not care that the child has Autism; they only care that they are a part of the child's life.

The Service Dog can facilitate hand/eye coordination. Socially interacting with their Service Dog allows for the children to have a friend - this often eludes children with Autism, as they typically lack the necessary social skills to participate in group activities or social outings.

The Service Dog can be vital in teaching the child life skills. The child learns to comb and brush the hair on the dog and they, in turn, learn to do it for themselves. The same things can be done with brushing their teeth, bathing and getting dressed.

Children who have been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum disorder can qualify for the PAWS Service Dogs for Children with Autism program under the following criteria:

• 4 - 12 years of age (applications accepted for 4 - 10 year olds)
• in an ongoing education program
• in a physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy or recreational therapy program
• have excellent family support "

This is also extremely cool.... having an assistance dog can help a child with Autism learn hand/eye coordination and life skills?! They are such important skills to learn, and those are the skills that TR Specialists have as goals for children with Autism to work towards. If having a dog like one from "Paws With a Cause" can help with the learning of these skills, I think this would be a very useful and innovative tool to use as a CTRS for this population. As stated in the description, the organization started a pilot program in 2009 for children with Autism. It appears that the program has had a lot of success since it started, and I think that as it increases in popularity, these type of therapy dogs will be seen more in therapy settings such as in Recreational Therapy!

 I am excited to see the progress of these types of animal-assisted therapy and hope that they can help increase the results of a therapy plan implemented by CTRS's in the near future! :)

Video Time!

               Tonight in Innovative TR, we watched two videos on how recreation has helped many people cope with their disabilities. They were both super interesting videos that told individual's stories about how they acquired their disability and what roles recreation serves in their new lives. I really liked the videos because they showed how recreation empowers people with disabilities to live their lives as normally as possible despite many stereotypes in the community.

             I loved that none of the people shown in the video used their disability as a "crutch" or reason to not live life to the fullest. They are actually using their disability as a reason to be more adventurous ... more adventurous than I will ever be. I know I would never be caught dead climbing the treacherous cliffside that the group of three guys did, disability or not!!
                  I think these videos are extremely helpful for future CTRS's to watch so they can more fully understand how to help their clients. The videos emphasized that everyone has an ability, no matter how severe a disability, and its a CTRS's job to help that person find their ability and foster their passion for their abilities. The main thing that I got out of the videos is to not limit anyone in anything they do. The quote from the last video was something that I really liked: "only society limits us in what we can do." This is not only true for just people with disabilities, but for all people in general I think. But specifically for TR specialists, we have the power to help change the limits society places on people with disabilities, and once we understand those limits, can work to help remove them!

Kumbaya!

Wilderness Therapy!

I absolutely love nature and the outdoors. I worked at a nature center for 4 summers as a Senior Assistant Naturalist in charge of summer camps for kids ages 3-12. I have seen first hand how being out in nature has helped the kids learn more about themselves, increase their self esteem and confidence and learn practical life skills from camp. 

As almost anyone can tell you, spending time in nature is definitely therapeutic, but it takes a certain structure to have it considered to be therapy, in this case it's called Wilderness/Adventure Therapy!

            But what is it exactly?

The definition for Adventure Therapy according to the Wilderdom website states that:

"Adventure therapy uses challenging experiences & being in natural environments to improve psychological dysfunctions in emotion, behavior, & life effectiveness skills. Adventure therapy is commonly referred to as wilderness therapy and outdoor behavioral healthcare. Adventure therapy is closely related to fields such as nature therapy and therapeutic recreation."

Bascially, Wilderness Therapy is putting a person, (a child, adolescent, or adult) experiencing various types of disabilities/diagnosis ranging from Aspergers to Substance Abuse to Internet Addictions in a primitive setting separate from their distractions and normal environment so they can learn about themselves and become empowered to return to their normal lives and be a productive member of society!

I found this really cool Wilderness Therapy program called "Second Nature," which has 6-8 week programs for younger teens, adolescents, and adults. They have a clincal staff in addition to a leadership staff that are all highly trained in providing therapy for the many different types of issues each person may have. 

They have a really good website that explains more in-depth about their individual program and how they go about changing the negative behaviors and feelings the children/adults who attend the programs. 

SECOND NATURE WILDERNESS THERAPY FAQ'S!

The Wilderdom websites offers a comprehensive list of many different types of wilderness/teambuildling/group initiative activities that are utilized in a Wilderness Therapy type program that CTRS's can incorporate into their programs for different individual and group settings. Check them out HERE!

Exercise!

Everyone knows how beneficial exercise is for every person, no matter if you have a disability or not!  However, in general, people with disabilities are less likely to engage in exercise activities than people without disabilities. So...that means it's our job as future CTRS's to help get our clients motivated and excited about working out!!
        The Surgeon General posted the benefits of exercise for people with disabilities:
(Click HERE for the website)

BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

• Reduces the risk of dying from coronary heart disease and of developing high blood pressure, colon cancer, and diabetes.
• Can help people with chronic, disabling conditions improve their stamina and muscle strength.
• Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, improves mood, and promotes general feelings of well-being.
• Helps control joint swelling and pain associated with arthritis.
• Can help reduce blood pressure in some people with hypertension.

Besides doing yoga or tai chi, I discovered there are some other innovative ways to incorporate exercise into TR programs!

The Recreation Therapy website has a lot of cool activities to get people of all ages to become physically active without running for miles or lifting weights.

One of the activities I liked a lot was this one: (THINK SPRING!!! :) )

Spring Reflections

Submitted by Jessica Dillon of Center for the Disabled on May 07, 2004
Size: 1-8
Equipment: Scarves or ribbons on sticks, taped background music (such as classical music), and your creativity!
Objective: To increase overall body awareness, gross motor skills, and self expression.
Description: ***This is an activity that was used successfully with disabled adults.***

Begin this activity by having the group wave/move their scarves or ribbons all around their bodies, such as over head, behind or in front of the body, to the side, and (bending) to the floor, as a warm-up. (2 min.)

Ask the group to think about what happens during the spring time. Mention the weather (sunshine, rain, wind), and growth (plants/flowers). Suggest that you would like to try to express these changes through movement with your scarf or ribbon sticks. (2 min.)

Start with sunshine as you direct each person to wave their scarves in an arch overhead, side to side. Repeat.

Transition to wind, waving your scarf wildly in big, gusting movements all over and around your body. Repeat.

Add rain by starting up high and 'sprinkling' your way to the floor. Repeat. Try light and heavy rain.

Finish with plants 'sprouting' up out of the ground. Try little ones (short)like grass or clover, and then really tall ones, like sun flowers, that seem to 'jump' into the air as they grow.

For more fun, after going through these in practice, sequence the movements into one flowing movement (performing each only once and then moving directly to the next), or ask the group to lead you through the moves without speaking (promting).

At the end of the group, be sure to ask the group what other things they think about when remembering spring. Put those thoughts into motion and have the group mirror each individual's contribution.


This activity can work with many different age groups, (kids and adults!) and can be adapted for each season, holiday, etc. There are endless possibilities when it comes to materials used--for example--when working with the elderly population, more complex and vibrant colors/textures can be used. Although this version doesn't mention the use of music, I think it would be great to incorporate different styles of music into the program as well!


Another fun innovative exercise activity I came across was called "Popercise" 



Popercise
submitted by Trudy Hamilton on Friday, December 26, 2003 popercise
Size: unlimited
Equipment: bubble wrap of various sizes, music
Objective: this activity provides lots of fun at different levels of function.
Description: clear enough area of activity room to lay bubble wrap on the floor. have music on and let residents dance, walk, or jump on the bubble wrap to the beat of the music. you can use the smaller bubble wrap for residents that are unable to walk/stand and have them pop as many at one time. have them start to twist the bubble wrap at one end and the activity director twist at the other end. lots of fun!

^ This activity is so simple and yet would be so much fun and definitely provide exercise for a wide variety of populations. Who doesn't like to pop bubble wrap?!


Here's the LINK to more cool active activities to use in the TR setting!

Rum Pum Pum Pum Pum

I have always loved music of all kinds, but I secretly have always wanted to learn how to play the drums and haven't learned yet! I decided to look up how I could use drumming in my career as a TR Specialist. As we talked about in class, Music Therapy is a very specific degree and requires specialized training to be considered a Music Therapist. But, elements of music therapy can definitely be incorporated into a TR program! Here is an awesome website that explains more about how music in general can be used in TR.


Benefits of using music as therapy include:

• Reduces anxiety and stress/ Relaxation
• Concentration
• Communication
• Pain relief
• Auditory Stimulation
• Increase alertness
• Self expression

But back to the drumming.......

According to this website, 

"Drumming Therapy is a method of utilizing the natural power of rhythm and music and applying it to an individual or group for the purpose of healing. A truly holistic healing approach, group drumming breaks down social barriers, promotes freedom of expression, non-verbal communication, unity and cooperation. Drumming awakens dormant emotions and unexplainable feelings of excitement, peace, and ecstacy. It decreases depression, anxiety, and stress, boosts immune system functioning and benefits physical health."

What I find so innovative about therapeutic drumming is that it can be used with basically any population, from cancer patients to people with Alzheimer's and kids with Autism. Looking at the benefits, it is clear anyone's quality of life can be improved!

Therapeutic drumming can achieve:

• physical and mental relaxation
• relief from stress
• a feeling of well-being
• some relief from depression
• temporary alleviation of pain and muscular stiffness
• a greater clarity of thought
• even a spiritual experience
• improved social networking
• strengthened personal and professional relationships
• more efficient teamworking

Therapeutic Drumming seems like a great tool to use in my TR career. Drumming is easy and pretty much everyone can do it and experience the benefits! Here is a super cool video I found about the use of Therapeutic Drumming with kids and adolescents with Autism!