Effects of Drumming Lessons on Brain and Behavior in Children with Down Syndrome

Project Narrative The proposed research is a randomized control trial designed to investigate the effects of drumming lessons on inhibitory control behavior and underlying brain function in 7- to 12-year-old children with Down syndrome. Activities designed to enhance perceptual-motor synchronization of the beat when listening to music have been shown to subsequently enhance self-control skills in children. The proposed research may generate empirical support using drumming lessons as part of a collection of therapeutic activities that support positive behavior across multiple domains in children with Down syndrome.