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Meet Victoria Boateng, a talented djembe and dunun drummer who at the tender age of 3, was diagnosed with autism. This condition made it difficult for Victoria to communicate, and it wasn’t until she was 7 years old that she began to speak fluently.

Victoria is skilled in playing West African drums, especially the djembe and dunun. As an autism advocate, she believes in the power of drumming as a form of therapy and expression for individuals with autism and disabilities. She has made it her mission to not only teach the art of drumming but also create a safe and inclusive environment for those with autism and disabilities to explore their musical abilities.

Victoria welcomes students to her drum classes at the Divine Purpose Fine Arts Center, located in the South Chicago neighborhood. These classes are held on every first and third Saturday of the month, with a focus on developing rhythm, coordination, and confidence through drumming. Victoria also partners with organizations like Urban Gateways and Special Olympics to provide specialized drum classes for those in the autism and disability communities.

In case you hope to join her classes, you can find her at 2:30-3:30 p.m. THIS  Friday at Welles Park, situated on the charming Sunnyside Avenue in the bustling city of Chicago.

Many success stories

There are many success stories, including that of Alexanderbilt Hill, a 26-year-old with autism who has found a sense of social connection and self-expression through Victoria’s program. His mother, Geneva Hill, shares that it was initially difficult to understand her son’s diagnosis during his preschool years as he had limited speech and high-functioning abilities.

However, through the supportive community and guidance provided by Boateng’s program, Alexanderbilt has been able to flourish and showcase his talents through drumming. This just goes to show the positive impact that programs like Boateng’s can have on individuals with autism and other disabilities in finding their voice and place in society.

Therapeutic power of drumming

Another parent, Bianca Thomas, also discovered the therapeutic power of drumming through social media and enrolled her 5-year-old son, Ezekiel, in Victoria’s classes. While traditional sports did not capture Ezekiel’s interest for long, he found a deep connection with the rhythmic world of drumming and has since been thriving under Boateng’s teaching style.

With an increasing demand for her classes, Boateng’s November schedule has filled up with various events, including ones at Welles and Shabbona parks. Additionally, she will participate in the Àkójọpọ̀ Music Foundation’s Drum Call event on November 17th at Douglass Library. This free community event aims to showcase West African folklore and music, providing a unique cultural experience for all attendees. Interested individuals can find more information about this event on the Àkójọpọ̀ Music Foundation’s website.

We at IAC would like to commend Victoria Boateng for her dedication and passion in providing a platform for individuals with autism to express themselves through the art of drumming. Her efforts truly embody the spirit of inclusion and celebrate the unique talents and abilities of individuals with disabilities.

We hope to see more programs like Boateng’s in the future that promote inclusivity and provide opportunities for individuals with special needs to thrive.

For families who need assistance in finding Quality Autism treatment and resources, we at Illinois Autism Center are here to help. Let’s continue to build a society that embraces and supports individuals of all abilities.