Islanders can support the treatment of autism using voice movement therapy by placing an order for an evergreen Christmas wreath at a cost of $12. Each wreath will be delivered to the Island just after Thanksgiving. The sales are through Corinne de Langavant, who is presenting her thesis on autism and voice movement therapy at the YAI Conference on special needs in New York city in May of 2011. The funds wiLL help to defray related costs.

Ms. de Langavant is known on the Vineyard as Coco the clown, as a skating pro, special events producer and performing artist. Having recently completed the requirements for her training as a Voice Movement Therapy (VMT) practitioner at the old Sacred Heart Catholic church near Tony’s Market in Oak Bluffs, she has been working for people with autism and getting very positive results.

She recently participated in a conference entitled Love Revolution with Dr. Patch Adams, who uses clowning to treat illness and does missionary work in war-torn and poverty-stricken countries. Ms. de Langavant hopes to join his band of volunteer clowns in their next trip to Haiti.

Her other current projects include the MVTV show Coco and the Kids, set to air in the near future with Vineyard children and guest appearances by other performing artists. The show introduces Voice Movement Therapy-related practices and principles through song and dance.

For details on the wreath fundraiser or this innovative expressive art therapy, call 508-423-9566.