http://www.dailymail.com/news/News/2003061017/

Letting his feet do the talking

Tap dancing has helped autistic boy express himself

Therese Smith Cox <therese@dailymail.com>

Daily Mail Health Reporter

Tuesday June 10, 2003; 10:30 AM

Sporting top hat, tails and a red rose boutonniere, Michael McDonough tapped and twirled for his fellow students at Kanawha City Elementary School.

After "The Sunny Side of the Street" song ordered his steps to dart and click for four minutes, the audience smiled, whistled and clapped enthusiastically.

Michael, 11, then winked at his friends, thrust his right thumb high and bowed graciously.

His long-rehearsed number, along with 17 other acts, helped the children celebrate the last day of school Monday.

"I'm very proud of him," said Rose McDonough, not a family relation but his tap dance teacher at RM Productions, a studio she owns and directs. She danced the duet with Michael Monday.

Michael has autism -- a neurological disorder shared by as many as 1.5 million Americans. He has difficulties with communication and social interaction.

But tap dancing has helped Michael in a surprising number of ways.

He's learned how to think in patterns, remember sequences, adapt to the limelight and feel comfortable performing.

"Absolutely, it has helped him," McDonough said. "It helps communications-wise. It has improved a whole, whole lot. He's able to express himself with more confidence."

McDonough, who administers arts grants for the state, said dancing works well as a form of therapy for people with developmental disabilities. A former Shawnee Hills "Creative Expressions" instructor, she'd like to see more participation in such programs in West Virginia.

"It really helps open them up," she said. "Dance is another form of communication."

Michael started taking tap lessons a year ago. But like most kids, he had a love-hate relationship with the demands of discipline, said his father, Steve McDonough. Carrie Green of the Autism Services Center took the classes with him and even performed on stage with him for his June 1 recital.

But after taking a few classes, watching videos of past recitals and examining costume books, Michael's interest blossomed.

After fitting for the rented tux, Michael asked if a big, black car would be calling for him, said his mother, Teresa McDonough. He also wondered if the recital audience would carry signs with his name on them.

Michael also enjoys the computer, reading, video games, swimming and spelling bees.

His autism mentor, Jeanette Higginbotham, accompanies him to Rhonda Perry's fourth-grade classroom during school, to help direct Michael and keep him on track. Itinerant teacher Betsy Fleshman helps round out his team.

Earlier this month, Michael portrayed Rumpelstiltskin for a class play.

"He was very good," Perry said.

Michael's mother gives credit for his relatively high degree of functioning to intense work since his diagnosis at age 2 1/2.

But it helps that he's a bit of a ham.

"When he does a class play, he's very dramatic," she said. "He makes up stories. And he always does voice animations."

Writer Therese Smith Cox can be reached at 348-4874.

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