FELDENKRAIS AND AUTISM:

Feldenkrais has changed Jared's life. Read about his progress as reported by his parents.

Changes in Jared after beginning ABM lessons:

AFTER 2 SESSIONS:

• No tripping up the stairs, better balance
• Asked for help to stop biting nails
• Playing with a dinky car normally
• No arm flailing when running
• Printing “I love you mom!”

AFTER 3 SESSIONS:

• Throwing and catching a ball!!
• Much better overhead arm movement
• Very interested in football
• Built a security checkpoint for our trip to Kingston (imaginative play)

AFTER 5 SESSIONS:

• Less tripping up the stairs and when running down a hill
• Toes aren’t pointed as bad
• Not leaning forward so much when walking up stairs or running
• Arms are looser at sides (not tucked in like a bird’s wings), less flapping when running
• Throwing ball better in the ball pit
• Printing “buddy” was awesome
• Asking to wear glasses
• Playing nicely at funworx
• Giving high 5 more accurately
• Dancing to “I like to move it”

AFTER 7 SESSIONS:

• Huge improvement in pencil grip and forming letters
• More symbolic play – cars with the city rug mat
• Used computer
• Doing more puzzles on own, a bit easier for him

AFTER 8 SESSIONS:

• More sensitive to cold and pain (camping with 4 sweaters)
• Lots of interest in writing, crafts, model helicopter
• Trying to turn door knobs, but still difficult
• Wrote “J” with the hook the right way
• Doing up own seat belt

AFTER 9 SESSIONS:

• Copying “happy birthday tyler” on his own from a piece of paper I’d written it on and didn’t lose his place.  Letters were neat and in a straight line but he started words at the bottom of the page.  Good spacing.  Still struggling reading some numbers. Stuck on the teens, but better after 20.
• Big improvement in printing numbers but still tricky.
• Peeling stickers off the page himself.  Never done before.
• Asking for “more massage” – back , neck, head, arms, legs.  Never wanted to be touched before and couldn’t stand it for more than 2 seconds without squirming.

AFTER 12 SESSIONS: (June 27, 2008)

• SINGING!  Becoming more vocal and less embarrassed.
• Said the word ‘elephant’ correctly on his own.
• Said ‘I’m sorry’ to his sister without prompting
• Actually referred to his sister as ‘My sister’.  (He usually claims he doesn’t have one at all and omits her from family drawings)
• Balance/posture on bike is now straight.
• Sleeping through the night more consistently.

AFTER 16 SESSIONS (July 30)

• Is opening tricky door handles
• Had no social problems at a BBQ in an enclosed area with relatively unfamiliar kids, and his sister
• When I tell him Karen is coming now, he says “okay”.
• Karen notices he is much more relaxed and willing to be touched
• Finally said the word “hospital” correctly, on his own
• Played with a neighbour kid and his sister without incident (never happened before where they talked nicely, compromised and enjoyed themselves)
• Advocate through me:  is now asking for help more consistently when his words don’t work, instead of using physical aggression as his next mode (there is still some physical aggression)
• Loves to spin and can control himself when he is dizzy
• Less fear in the pool:  doesn’t mind water on his face now
• Sleeping more soundly and through the night consistently; waking up later (7/7:30 vs. 5:30 or 6)
• Drawings are becoming more complex and detailed (drew a dinosaur being hit by a meteor)
• Really enjoying playing tackle and wrestling games
• Finally interested in the computer and learning to maneuver keys

Our Goals: To make a positive difference in the lives of people who choose to live a healthier lifestyle. To provide convenient, quality products and service. To assist with vitality in life, with less pain and strain and to see others develop self awareness. To teach others to achieve their mind, body and spirit connection.

Feldenkrais®, Feldenkrais Method®, Functional Integration®, Awareness Through Movement®, Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner(cm), and Friends of Feldenkrais(sm) are service marks of the FELDENKRAIS GUILD® of North America.

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