sagemode67 Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 Hey, i was wondering if anyone knew of any DCI corps that have people on the autism spectrum, meaning they are better equipped to deal with people with asperbergers and such, I really want to do drum corps when i grow up but i don't know if i can because of my disability, which is Aspurgers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghost Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 Over the years, I know of corps who have allowed mm with a disability to compete. One mm (top 12 corps) had an eye issue and would have to sit out at times when outdoors in the sun. As long as the problem does not affect the individual or the corps as a whole, especially during shows, I imagine some corps will accept the mm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
actucker Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 Hey, i was wondering if anyone knew of any DCI corps that have people on the autism spectrum, meaning they are better equipped to deal with people with asperbergers and such, I really want to do drum corps when i grow up but i don't know if i can because of my disability, which is Aspurgers. I don't know that any particular corps is more equipped than another, but I'd imagine there are more folks in our activity that are on the spectrum than one might immediately guess. It depends on how high functioning those individuals are. I've had friends and students that show up on the spectrum that function fairly normally and would, to someone who didn't know about their diagnosis, simply come across as strange or a little awkward. All of this, I'm sure, you already know being that you're on that spectrum yourself. So without knowing more about you or your specific limitations, its hard to say whether a drum corps would work out for you. Obviously, when auditioning, you'll want to be up front with the administration and your caption head. My advice would be to try out a few places. Assuming you can pass the audition, the corps that makes you the most comfortable is the one you should call home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IllianaLancerContra Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 Hey, i was wondering if anyone knew of any DCI corps that have people on the autism spectrum, meaning they are better equipped to deal with people with asperbergers and such, I really want to do drum corps when i grow up but i don't know if i can because of my disability, which is Aspurgers. As a college professor, I have had students w/ varying degrees of autism spectrum who are more or less the age of Jr corps members. Some could handle stress better than others. The thing about corps (and current members pls correct me if I am wrong), is that every member, at some point or another is going to be singled out in front of the group and told to do something in a different way. And, at least in my experience, some receive more attention than others. Today is is probably less 'intense and personal than it was BITD, but still, it is going to happen at some point. If you cannot handle that type of interaction, then this may not be the activity for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUARDLING Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 As a college professor, I have had students w/ varying degrees of autism spectrum who are more or less the age of Jr corps members. Some could handle stress better than others. The thing about corps (and current members pls correct me if I am wrong), is that every member, at some point or another is going to be singled out in front of the group and told to do something in a different way. And, at least in my experience, some receive more attention than others. Today is is probably less 'intense and personal than it was BITD, but still, it is going to happen at some point. If you cannot handle that type of interaction, then this may not be the activity for you. this is very true. and compared to bitd kids today are expected to pretty much take total care of themselves. OC corps might be a little more parenting but not much more. I think it just depends ( as you said ) on what the individual is prepared for. There are kids of all walks of life at 15 totally ready and adults at 30 who wouldn't be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quietcity Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 Sagemode, talk to people who know you well, and get their advice. For instance, you could discuss this with your band director, and if you have one, your therapist. In some ways, drum corps is a great activity for those on the autistic spectrum. There is a lot of structure and predictability, and mastering a show takes lots of repetitious work. On the other hand, there can be a lot of social pressure, from instructors and peers. If you are having difficulty performing your role, you will hear about it in nice and not-so-nice ways. Also, touring with a corps can feel chaotic, and it is a big disruption of everyday routines. If you have a chance, go watch a corps practice. Good luck! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MotoSurfBass Posted May 27, 2014 Share Posted May 27, 2014 I personally have Aspergers, and I marched in a World Class corps for the last four years, and am now with a DCA Open Class corps this year. I can tell you that most, if not all corps are able to work with members with a variety of disabilities, especially those on the autism spectrum. The best thing to do is to practice and do the best that you can. There will be tough moments, certainly. But if you work through them, the experiences you gain will be more than worth it. If you don't make a top-tier corps, don't fret over it (very few people can go straight to a top-tier corps without experience anyways). Start small and work your way up. Trust me, it'll be a great time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagemode67 Posted May 27, 2014 Author Share Posted May 27, 2014 so know one knows of any specific corps am i correct? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
actucker Posted May 27, 2014 Share Posted May 27, 2014 (edited) so know one knows of any specific corps am i correct? No, I don't think you'll find any particular drum corps that is more equipped than another. Edited May 27, 2014 by actucker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BozzlyB Posted May 27, 2014 Share Posted May 27, 2014 I don't know of any one corps that advertises itself as being specifically "disability friendly". You may just want to start with some phone calls to a few corps you're interested in and start feeling things out that way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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