YOGA FOR SPECIAL NEEDS

NEW!  As of August 2007, I now have 'Yoga for the Special Child' Certification.  See www.specialyoga.com for details.

This is Cindy Szymonik.  I live in Richmond, Virginia and teach children's yoga at Glenmore Yoga and Wellness Center in the West End.  

As the mom of two boys, one whom has autism, I have seen firsthand how yoga can help kids cope with the stress of daily life. 

I teach the A, B, C's of Hatha Yoga, A=Asana (poses), B= Balance, C= Concentration through yoga practice and yoga-related games.   I also use guided imagery to help a child learn to calm and focus his thoughts.

 I have 200 hour yoga certification through Yoga Alliance.  I also have 'Yoga for the Special Child' Certification.   I have 5 years of experience working with children on the autistic spectrum. A former 'computer geek' at Capital One, I now enjoy stay at home momhood and yoga instruction.   Also, since the question has come up, I am personally Christian but do not teach any religion as part of a yoga class.   Kids from any background may practice. 

I teach mainstream kids classes, family classes, and special needs classes.

 How does yoga benefit...

Kids with AD(H)D?  Practicing balancing poses and breathing exercises are great for building concentration.  The peaceful and serene setting in the studio is a great place to work on focusing one's thoughts on a single idea - one of the prime goals of yoga.

Kids with Downs Syndrome?  By helping increase muscle tone.  Many kids with Downs are extremely flexible already, but need to build core strength and increase tone.

Kids with Autism or Aspergers?  Kids with Autism or Aspergers often need to build core strength.  They often find life very stressful, and hold a lot of tension in their muscles.  Holding this tension may lead to perseverances such as flapping, or acting out.   I teach kids with all levels of Autism and Aspergers.  Kids who cannot (or will not) imitate poses are helped through a routine where I move their bodies through the poses with their Mom/Dad's help.  Mom and Dad can help the child do the poses at home also.  Yoga is also wonderfully non-competetive, and can be enjoyed together with siblings. 

Kids with PDD-NOS, or just plain Sensory Issues?  Yoga is wonderfully calming, and helps with focus and concentration.

Special Needs Individual Consult:  Initial consult helps determine if the child would enjoy the non special needs group class, continued individual consults, or both.  Cost:  $50 for initial 45 minute consult, including 'take home' practice ideas, guided imagery cd suggestions, and more.   Call me at (804) 305-4766 or email cszymonik@verizon.net for details.

For information on non-special needs classes, family or individual consults, see www.glenmoreyoga.com, or email me at cszymonik@comcast.net.