April 12, 2009
Yoga for Children with Special Needs
Taught by Dr. Yana Kofman
Biography
Dr. Yana Kofman is a licensed NJ board certified Physical Therapist. She has over 11 years of experience treating children with congenital and developmental delays, and acquired diagnoses. Dr. Kofman received her Masters and Clinical Doctorate Degrees in Physical Therapy Magna Cum Laude from UMDNJ. She is a member of an APTA, NJPTA, and IAYT and a Licensed Practitioner of Yoga for the Special Child Method. Dr. Kofman is a guest speaker for graduate students at the DPT program at UMDNJ on the topics of Autism and Sensory Intergration.
General Description
Yoga for the Special Child Method is practiced on an individual basis or in group setting in a non-competitive manner with emphasis on harmony and optimal effort. It has shown to enhance age appropriate gross motor skill acquisition and guide each child to find their own inner peace and serenity. Its a step by step approach, therapeutic hands-on, and is an integrated system of hatha yoga asanas ( poses), age and developmentally appropriate, eye exercises, specialized breathing exercises, music and sound therapy and relaxation techniques.
Cost
The cost per semester will be $200 plus annual registration of $25 for new families. Siblings are eligible for the discount - 2nd child (10%off), 3rd child (15%). The cost of Sunday Yoga classes will be $16 per session or $150 per 10 sessions pass.
Classses
Tuesday 4- 4:45pm
Being in a Moment! - Yoga for children with diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders (Parent/caregiver participation is optional based on child’s need)
Ages: 8-12 years old - 45 min
This Yoga class will focus on strengthening and increasing low muscle tone and improving posture control, balance, coordination which are often seen and characteristic of many children with ASD’s (Autism Spectrum Disorders). It will help to calm the mind and ease tension, which may help counteract self-stimulating behaviors (such as hand flapping, pacing). Strong emphasis will be on breathing techniques and chanting to promote peace and relaxation of the mind and body and learning to concentrate on the breath. Because yoga teaches a child coping mechanisms she/he can use himself, the child will start using them without the help of a parent, teacher paraprofessional or an aide to promote self-control, self-confidence and inner growth. Yoga in a restful atmosphere, with dim lights and quiet music, provides a respite for overloaded sensory systems.
Tuesday 5- 5:45pm
Attention, Breath & Concentration (ABC) - Yoga for children with attention, focusing, concentration difficulties (ADHD, ADD, and Anxiety)
Ages: 5-10 years old - 45 min
This class will focus on balancing poses and is an excellent practice for cultivating improved concentration and focus. Through the main goal of yoga is to ‘Do What You Are Doing’; focusing on your yoga asana and how you are feeling in a moment. Yoga promotes good concentration because the child is encouraged to focus only on the pose she/he is doing, putting other thoughts aside. The child will be encouraged on work on balance and breathing while staying focused despite other kids falling, moving or talking. The emphasis is on the basic yogic beliefs: if you let your mind wander you will lose your balance! Breathing exercises will help your child learn to regulate his/her emotions and stress level using the power of breath to calm down and be in a moment!
Mommy & Me Yoga for children with possible delays in gross motor development
(Child may not be walking yet)
Ages: 8 months – 18 months – 45 min
This class will teach the parents to guide their child through the gross motor milestones of the typical development. Mommy & Me Yoga will teach the asanas, breathing exercises, relaxation for the baby and mommy. Emphasis is on the awareness and education of the typical motor development, like rolling, cruising, crawling, walking to guide your baby while providing you with the relaxation and a peace of mind. Focus on balance, strength and endurance postures to guide your child into developmentally mature, strong and safe ways to explore the environment.
