Classes - Winter 2007   Just for Homeschoolers  Fun Yoga Freebies  Yoga for Aspergers, Autism or ADD
 

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Children's Yoga for Autism, Asperger's, and ADHD/ADD. 

   
  NEW!  Saturday Sensory TLC class for special needs.  Click here for details.
   
The yogic greeting "Namaste" may be defined in many ways.  For children, it is often explained as "The light in me sees the light in you"; meaning that we are all unique and extraordinary people inside, and the outside is not as important to us in yoga as who you are inside.  For children on the autistic spectrum, or for those with attention deficit disorders, the light is still glowing strong, it just sometimes takes a little more work to get to know the person inside!   Of course, yoga is not a cure for Autism or attention disorders, but it is a great tool in dealing with the symptoms!  My classes are geared toward giving your child skills he can use in everyday life, not just when he's at the yoga studio. 
 
 

Special Benefits of Yoga for Children on the Autistic Spectrum, or with Attention Needs
   
 
  • Counters ‘low tone’ (poor muscle coordination) that is characteristic of many children with ASD’s. 
  • Calms the mind and eases tension, which may help counteract perseveration (such as hand flapping).  Certain asanas or breathing techniques may be more suitable substitutes for disruptive perseverations, such as doing shoulder rolls, or concentrating on the breath. 
  • With practice, yoga is a tool a person can use to calm one’s self rather than always relying on others in daily life.
  • Because yoga teaches a child coping mechanisms he can use himself, he can use them without the help of a parent or an aide.  This also helps ease caregiver stress.
  • Yoga is a wonderful activity you and your child can enjoy together; it helps both of you!
  • Yoga in a restful atmosphere, with dim lights and quiet music, provides a respite for overloaded sensory systems.  Additionally, the use of eye pillows helps block out visual distractions. 
  • Yoga is non-competitive, even with one’s self.  Children with ASD’s may shy away from physical activities where they feel inferior to their peers. 
  • A passive yoga practice can be customized even for a child who cannot follow verbal commands, with the help of a parent.
  • Balancing poses are excellent for cultivating improved concentration and focus.  Also, a main goal of yoga is to 'Do What You Are Doing'; focusing on your yoga asana and how you are feeling only.  This is great practice for reigning in wandering thoughts typical of spectrum or ADD/ADHD kids.

 
    One Asperger's Child's experience with Yoga
    Yoga in Daily Life for Spectrum Kids
   
  Special Needs (including but not limited to Yoga for Autism/Asperger's Syndrome and ADD/ADHD).
Individual consult to introduce the student to the enormous benefits of yoga especially as they pertain to special needs.  Focus on breathing to help limit perseverances such as flapping or rocking.  Work on self-management of melt-down and stress.  Balance and strengthening practice help counter low tone typical of kids on the autistic spectrum.   Yoga games to improve concentration and help focus one's thinking.  Take home worksheets and activities to help carry practice into home and school life. 

Also available; family consult.  Stress relief for caregivers and yoga practice for special needs child.

1/2 Hour consult $30; 1 Hour consult $50.  Contact instructor Cindy Szymonik directly for more information or to schedule an appointment..  (804) 968-4335 or cszymonik@comcast.net. 

   
  All classes are held at Glenmore Yoga and Wellness Center, Ridgefield Parkway (Glen Eagles Shopping Center) in the West End.   Call Glenmore Yoga at 741-5267 or contact Cindy Szymonik at 968-4335.  
 
  Email me directly with questions or to register:  cszymonik@comcast.net
   

 

 

 

 

 

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