Babies and Children with Special Needs
Introduction
The Feldenkrais Method offers a unique and effective approach to supporting the development and well-being of babies and children with special needs. By focusing on movement, body awareness, and gentle exploration, it enables children to tap into their innate capacity for learning and neuroplasticity. In this article, we will explore the various benefits of the Feldenkrais Method for babies and children with special needs, including aspects of safety, playfulness, and empowerment.
What can the Feldenkrais Method offer ?
A. Creating a Safe and Playful Environment
The Feldenkrais Method fosters a safe and playful environment for babies and children with special needs to explore movement and develop their abilities. This nurturing atmosphere encourages curiosity, creativity, and a sense of joy in learning.
B. Harnessing Innate Capacity for Learning and Neuroplasticity
The Feldenkrais Method taps into children’s innate capacity for learning and neuroplasticity by encouraging the exploration of movement patterns and increasing body awareness. This approach supports the brain’s ability to adapt and change, facilitating ongoing growth and development.
C. Enhancing Motor Skills for Cognitive and Social Development
By helping children with special needs develop better motor skills, the Feldenkrais Method also contributes to their cognitive and social development. Improved motor skills can lead to enhanced problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and social interactions.
D. Empowering Children and Fostering Independence
The Feldenkrais Method promotes a sense of empowerment in children with special needs by helping them develop greater autonomy and independence. As they learn to move more efficiently and comfortably, children can experience increased self-confidence and self-reliance.
E. Prioritizing Safety and Comfort
The Feldenkrais Method emphasizes safety and comfort, ensuring that children with special needs can explore movement without fear of injury. This focus on safety helps to build trust and confidence in their abilities.
F. Promoting Sensory Integration and Motor Skills
The Feldenkrais Method helps babies and children with special needs develop better sensory integration and motor skills by encouraging exploration of movement patterns and increasing body awareness. Through gentle, guided movements, children can learn to coordinate their movements more effectively and enhance their physical abilities.
Some key take-aways
The Feldenkrais Method provides a powerful and effective approach to supporting the development and well-being of babies and children with special needs. By creating a safe and playful environment, harnessing innate capacity for learning and neuroplasticity, enhancing motor skills for cognitive and social development, empowering children and fostering independence, prioritizing safety and comfort, promoting sensory integration and motor skills, and facilitating emotional and social development, the Feldenkrais Method can make a significant difference in the lives of children with special needs and their families.
Interesting resources
Babies and Children with Special Needs
Some research studies refer to working with babies and children with special needs, including those incorporating the Anat Baniel Method (ABM). However, for this topic, the "testimonies" of parents and videos of practitioners working will be especially important.
Features of Changes in Cerebral Circulation in Children with Visual Impairments
The Feldenkrais Method significantly improved cerebral circulation in children with functional visual impairments, normalizing blood flow in cerebral arteries. This research highlights its potential for children with sensory and motor coordination challenges. (Dolynskyi et al., 2021). Read the study here
Facilitating Cervical Flexion in Children with Neuromotor Challenges
A study demonstrated the efficacy of the Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement (ATM) technique in improving cervical flexion range and reducing perceived effort, suggesting its utility for neuromotor rehabilitation in children. (Ruth & Kegerreis, 1992). Read the study on PubMed
Application in Supported Employment for Intellectual Disabilities
A randomized trial showed that the Feldenkrais Method improved balance, physical function, and overall mobility in individuals with intellectual disabilities, which has implications for children with developmental challenges. (Torres-Unda et al., 2017). Read the study on PubMed
Rehabilitation and Movement Education in Children
Discusses the role of the Feldenkrais Method in providing neuromuscular re-education through sensory-motor awareness, with potential applications in pediatric rehabilitation. (Lyttle, 1997). Read the article on ScienceDirect
Systematic Reviews and Broader Applications
Improving Gait and Balance in Children and Adults
A systematic review highlighted the Feldenkrais Method's benefits for improving mobility and physical coordination, suggesting its utility for children with physical impairments. (Hillier & Worley, 2015). Read the study on PubMed
Neurodevelopmental Benefits in Rehabilitation
Explored how the Feldenkrais Method fosters neuroplasticity, improving movement patterns and cognitive function in individuals with musculoskeletal and neurological disorders, applicable to children with special needs. (Berland et al., 2022). Read the study here
Supporting Posture and Quality of Life
Feldenkrais-based educational programs demonstrated improvements in posture and quality of life, which are vital for children with motor coordination difficulties. (Gil, 2018). Read the article on ResearchGate