Drumming as therapy for a variety of disabilities

From the Daily Record in Morris County, N.J.:

Pat Gesualdo (pictured) had worked with Deep Purple, Kiss and Quiet Riot during his career as a drummer.

He's now working with children and adults suffering from disabilities as the chief executive officer of the nonprofit organization Drums and Disabilities.

"What made me really want to start DAD was that I had a severe battle with a disability myself," said Gesualdo, a Boonton Township resident. "I had dyslexia so bad that many thought it was cerebral palsy. I was diagnosed at 9 years old and pulled out of private school and put into a public school. I was called dumb, stupid, lazy, just like many are."

Gesualdo began the Mount Arlington-based Drums and Disabilities on Sept. 8, 2004, with help from New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and support from organizations including the WWE Superstars, New Jersey Devils, New York Giants and Coca-Cola.

"I knew it would be very important to network with musicians, sport stars and politicians in every effort to reach many different parents and teachers," Gesualdo said.

The work done by Drums and Disabilities will be recognized when the organization represents the United States at the International Festival for Different Capabilities in Capri, Italy, from May 19-26. Gesualdo will showcase drum therapy techniques at the event.

"It's a great honor to be representing the United States at the festival," Gesualdo said. "The amazing thing about it is that it's throughout different cities in Italy and it's a showcase. I am so grateful for beating my own challenge and hope to inspire others. It's all about the children, parents and teachers."

Drums and Disabilities first opened in New York City schools and communities after a helpful push from Bloomberg and later expanded outside the city. 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.

"I go into schools and work with children with disabilities and help them develop retention, coordination, self-esteem, and physical and cognitive functioning," Gesualdo said.

Gesualdo, who has written a book, "The Parent's Guide to Learning Disabilities," dedicates part of his teaching to parents and teachers, helping them understand what disabilities are and how to deal with children who have them.

Debbie Wertalik, who is co-founder and president of the support group Putting the Pieces Together, has been working with DAD since the start of her organization in 2005. She has a grandson, Tyler, who is autistic.

"Pat comes down to us, and the kids and parents have a great time, Wertalik said. "They love him. He is a phenomenal guy."

"My grandson Tyler can speak with words, but cannot put them into a spontaneous conversation," she said. "His speech did improve after the therapy. He likes Pat and DAD, and now has his own drum set. Pat just has to show him a few more moves."

Gesualdo initially learned about drum therapy 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.

"To become a drum therapist, it's a pretty extensive training course, and I designed it that way to make sure that I am the only one to do the training around the world," Gesualdo said. "I did this to make sure everyone has the same knowledge and techniques so the therapist in New Zealand has the same curriculum as the one in Bosnia. It is a one way technique."