Feldenkrais and Autism : Jared's Story

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