Drumming improves ASD kids' self-control

By Mao Weihua in Urumqi and Zhang Yi in Beijing

Playing the drums has long been a form of entertainment. However, a drum band in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region is trying to go beyond just entertaining its audience.

The band, Xingyun Zhifeng, established in the region's capital city of Urumqi in March 2012, has helped educate children with autism spectrum disorder about African drumming.

The band is currently made up of six teenage members, who all have autism. Every Wednesday afternoon, they gather in a music classroom at Aixinyuan Special Education Center to practice.

Guo Litong, the band's teacher, said the center found that some children with ASD have a special interest in music, and they discovered that music has a calming effect on those with autism.

"Before they joined the band, they were easily disturbed and would lose control of their emotions if they were placed in a noisy environment. Now, they find it easier to remain calm in certain environments, and their self-control has improved," she said.

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication.

"Some members of the band were afraid of the sound of drums and were sensitive to it. But we found they were able to learn how to concentrate on playing the drums. Their emotions became more stable, and they stopped moving their limbs unconsciously when they were taught to play the drums," Guo said.

"I witnessed the remarkable progress they made in their musical performance," said He Tianhua, executive director of the center's east campus, where the music classroom is located.

"Nearly 40 students took part in interviews we conducted before organizing the band. Seven of them were found to have an interest in playing the drums. The teachers went to great lengths to coach them and educate them about how to coordinate," He said.

However, members of the band are between 7 and 16 years old, and some of the oldest students have to be accompanied by their parents during practice.

"Treating autism is a complicated process," she said.

According to Guo, people with ASD often have special talents in certain fields. Among the band members, some have shown extraordinary ability in math and art.

Kun Kun (nickname), 15, a student with autism at the center, has passed the highest level of national piano examination for amateurs.

Some members of the band have amazed audiences not only by playing music, but also through showcasing their special talents.

One student, surnamed Cheng, was able to give a correct answer within a second when a teacher asked what day of the week dates in the future will be.

"Through proper training and given enough time, the children are able to display their talents. I hope they can be given more attention by society and have more opportunities to demonstrate their ability," He said.

Contact the writers at zhang_yi@chinadaily.com.cn