Yoga

Yoga has been proven to be beneficial for all children and particularity those with special needs. YogaÕs holistic approach helps children learn to connect with their bodies, minds and build self-esteem in a fun and expectation free setting.

Through regular yoga practice children can benefit in many areas such as:

• Physical strength (specifically core strength)
• Flexibility
• Body awareness
• Sensory input
• Breath awareness
• Self soothing/self calming strategies
• Regulation of digestive system
• Organization of central nervous system
• Language development
• Balance energy levels

A typical yoga session is comprised of physical postures, breathing exercises, deep relaxation techniques and music therapy. The goal of every yoga session is to help students connect with their bodies while having fun and building a lifelong yoga practice.

Studies have shown Yoga to be an effective compliment to other therapies such as speech, occupational and physical therapy. The yoga instructor, Jennie Ehleringer, at Advanced Pediatric Therapies possesses a unique background which well suites her to provide specialized yoga therapy services. She has a Masters in special education and years and years of classroom experience. She is also a certificated yoga instructor who has attended multiple advanced trainings on how to use yoga as a therapy with the special needs population. Together these skill sets qualify her to customize and create individualized yoga programs focusing on teaching skills specific to that child's needs and bringing balance to students bodies and lives.