About TRAP

The Rhythmic Arts Project enhances existing therapeutic modalities by integrating drums and percussion into proven methods of healing and teaching. The application varies depending on the population served, yet remains simple and basic in its presentation.

I broke my neck in a body surfing accident in September of 1997. After a cervical fusion, 5, 6 and 7th vertebrae, and a week in the ICU, I was sent to The Rehabilitation Institute at Santa Barbara where a flock of angels disguised as doctors, nurses, therapists and health care workers skillfully and compassionately re - animated my mind, my body and my life in one fell swoop. I’d be remiss if I failed to mention that there were less than perfect moments in my recovery. The severity of my accident and the unpredictable neurological plight of paralysis meant there was cause for concern. At the risk of sounding less than scientific, I knew from the moment my neck snapped that everything would turn out OK. I was three feet under water and totally paralyzed. No one was there when I was lifted from the bottom and gently placed on the shore where I was found and expertly transported to the hospital. After an emergency operation and a week in the ICU, I was moved to the Rehabilitation Institute at Santa Barbara. The folks at the Rehab encouraged my faith and I walked out on my own power in a little more than 5 weeks. Although I won’t be competing in any BMX bike riding events and bungee cord jumping is no longer an option, I do get around quite well these days. Rhythm Therapy figured considerably in my own recovery.

In the first little while, before I had much physical prowess, I asked for a couple of drumsticks and a few percussion items. Having been a professional drummer all my life it seemed only natural that I test those waters first. I was extremely weak but there was potential in what I felt and hope that I could regenerate nerves and impulses. As it worked for me, why not share the experience with my mates in the ward. I did, and …it did work for them as well. It wasn't long before the therapists, aids and the patients recognized the beneficial results and positive mood that rhythm encouraged throughout the hospital. We moved the project into the 1:30 occupational therapy group and began building on the concept. Concentrating on focus, attention span, simple drumbeats and clapping, playing along with music, learning basic musical notation and most importantly, having fun, we knew we had started something simplistically significant while inherently healing.

Libby Whaley, the director of recreational therapy at the Institute, took the project to senior leadership where it was ultimately approved. Libby and I continue to work on a regular basis to improve our skills in an effort to help people with a wide range of physical disabilities. I took the project into several other facilities where only positive results prevailed. It was exciting to see different applications work with traumatic brain injury, mental illness, Cerebral Palsy, developmental disabilities and in the care of Alzheimer’s and other dementia.

Seiko Niimi, a developmental therapist, has become a mentor and friend of many years. Working with her Y-SPIRIT and Club Aspire programs for children and young adults with developmental disabilities has resulted in many new and valuable ideas. I’ve also had the distinct pleasure of working in the ARC system in Ventura County, California for several years. The project has grown in many ways thanks to the participation of so many new clients and the expertise of the ARC administrators and caregivers.

TRAP is a collaborative effort. Together, therapists, health care workers and aids, percussionists and drummers as well as the students endeavor to achieve a unique way to wellness, physically and mentally.

I’m not here to tell you of any distinct new revelations in the care and understanding and or cure in Autism Spectrum Disorders. I will however expand on my experience, much of which has enhanced my personal discovery, betterment and spiritual growth … and in the territory of factual, scientific and otherwise intellectual expression on this matter, to those individuals, I make no apologies. I am quite simply a better person having worked with and in continuing to work with children and adults with Autism and their families.

It’s a privilege to know so many folks who take in stride what I’d consider near heroic feats on a daily basis.

Routine, day-to-day doldrums that would appear overwhelming and complex to most of us fall into place as second nature to parents, guardians and siblings of developmentally disabled kids and adults.

My work is delightful given the situation I’m able to create with clients, healthcare workers, aides and therapists alike. It’s a win-win in light of how much fun we have. This is not to say that we don’t make a significant contribution, we do, it’s the essence of good humor and laughter that frame and enhance The Rhythmic Arts Project. There has been much personal satisfaction over these past several years. My most cherished moments are those of the unconditional love, devotion, and dedication shown by all the people surrounding the project. Beginning with the therapists and healthcare workers I encountered as a patient at the Rehabilitation Institute, to the many people I’ve met working in the field of developmental disabilities, commitment seemed as natural as sunlight, truly part of who they are. Parents and siblings carry a seemingly unwavering commitment 24/7. They’re not able to leave their compassion at the office and then punch it in again the next day like a time card. It’s ongoing. In my opinion there is no accolade great enough befitting these unsung heroes.

Although my work is not limited to those individuals with Autism, in many cases Autism or (PPD) Pervasive Development Disorder may occur in conjunction with other disabilities thus contributing to problems with communication, learning and behavior. The ability to participate given creative direction is reinforced in every class. I’ve seen interaction in teaching as well as my personal relationships improve with every student along the way. I believe people with Autism Spectrum Disorders can and will make progress with consistent education, therapies and treatments. And, in line with this way of thinking, The Rhythmic Arts Project can be a positive means in addressing many goals. I’ll give you an outline of some of the exercises we employ. Again, consistency, repetition, dedication and patience are the key to success here.

Click here to see the TRAP program outline.