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Yoga Helping Dallas Kids Overcome Disorders
Reporting:Marianne Martinez
DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) - 3/26/2010
With Some breathing and stretching, the children in a Dallas yoga class are making leaps and bounds, overcoming developmental disorders like Autism and Down Syndrome.
Alex Mitchell, a 6-year-old with autism, has been practicing yoga for about a year. "It makes me feel happy," he said.
In fact, CBS 11 News featured Alex in a story last April. Since then, his mother, Kellie, has noticed improvement in her son's behavior. "Alex has pervasive developmental disorder, which means he processes information differently from other kids and he is on the autism spectrum," she said.
According to Kellie, the yoga, especially the breathing exercises, has helped Alex control his emotions and reactions. "If he can't explain himself or not communicating in a way someone else can't understand, his abilty to calm down and then try to re-approach the situation has made a big difference," said Kellie.
Lynne Silberman is a yoga therapist who specializes in yoga for children with special needs. She teaches classes for children 3 years old to 26, called Stretch. "Yoga is something that every child can do," Lynne said, "and it's a way parents can bond with their children."
She also says that yoga is a good way for special needs children to engage in physical activities in a group setting. "Yoga works because it builds their confidence," said Lynne. "A lot of these children are not able to participate in typical sports."
Within a few months, yoga has helped 4-year-old Asher Stanely, who has some developmental delays with speech. "He's very self-conscious about talking in front of other people," said Asher's mother, Nancy Stanley. "He's starting to communicate more verbally."
The parents of these kids did not expect that yoga would make a difference, but they are thrilled with the results. "As a parent, you want to give your child all the opportunities you can to help them become self-sufficient and confident," Kellie said.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Stretch it all: Yoga classes allow children and adults with special needs to express themselves
TEXAS JEWISH POST
MARCH 25,2010
By Rachel Gross
It doesn’t take a lot of effort to put a smile on Lynne Silberman’s face — just ask her about her students,and her face lights up. She teaches yoga to children and adults with special needs, and typically developing children, giving them the opportunity to build confidence and express themselves. Silberman recently started her own business, Stretch, creating a non-competitive environment where children and adults can enjoy themselves while gaining a greater sense of body control and awareness. Individual and smallgroup sessions of four to eight people are offered. She said the most important thing is making sure every child feels comfortable in her classes.“It’s fun and there is always something new to learn,” the 25-year-old said. “The kids teach me as much as I teach them and we grow together.
In a group setting, the challenge is making sure I give each kid the time they need. I do a lot of one-on-one work with them. Yoga helps with body control and
awareness and helps regulate behavior.” Her classes are broken up by age and ability. Students begin with breathing exercises, followed by stretching to music. She tells her students stories about different animals, having them pose and make sounds imitating them. Silberman works out of a private home studio in North Dallas and [schools in the DFW area.] She has worked with all ages from infants to 25-year-olds. She said it’s essential that her students have fun and that she builds a relationship with each one.
“The point isn’t to make them do yoga and be bored; they learn how to stretch and do it in a fun way,” she said. “It builds their confidence to know they can handle situations and be in places they never thought possible. I like knowing that parents have a way to bond with their kids, because yoga is something parents and children can do together.” Silberman specializes in the areas of autism/pervasive developmental disorders, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, developmental disabilities, ADD/ADHD and learning disabilities.
She hasworked with children with special needs in a variety of different environments including hospitals, inclusive classrooms and pediatric therapy clinics. She is one of three licensed practitioners of Yoga for the Special Child in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area. She is a full-time graduate student as well, studying mental health counseling; she plans to delve into working with teenagers, dealing with eating disorders and depression. No matter where life takes her, she wants to continue the yoga classes. “I could never give up on my students; I form bonds with them,”
Silberman said. “Being licensed in this area, I have the knowledge of how to work with different diagnoses. Each child is different, and I do an evaluation with each one before they begin group sessions so I can get to know that child and their needs.” It’s this technique that makes her students succeed and want to come back. Silberman said yoga benefi ts children with special needs and those who are typically developing as they stretch, strengthen their muscles and release storedup tension. She added that the most rewarding aspects of her job are seeing the smiles on the children’s faces when they walk into class, and knowing she makes an impact on their lives. “I always wanted to help kids with special needs because I really see how they grow and how I make a difference in their lives,” she said. “These classes allow them to bond with other kids. I can tell how excited they always are when they get to the studio; I really reach them.”
Silberman has received accolades from parents. Nancy Stanley’s son Asher, who turns 4 next month, has been taking classes with Silberman for two months, and they have seen positive effects.. Stanley said yoga allows Asher to focus at school; he has learned to communicate better and always looks forward to class. “Lynne is able to engage Asher. She’s an important person to him and he is excited about yoga class,” Stanley said. “He laughs with her and this has allowed him to build his confidence. Lynne is knowledgeable when working with kids. She has a fl air and a knack for what she does and that’s what makes her successful.” And Marc agreed. He said his 3-1/2-year old son (whose name he did not wish to make public) is calmer and more focused at home and school. Being able to learn yoga techniques at a young age, Marc said, will help him in the future. “Lynne makes this fun for him. I’ve been really impressed and can’t say enough good things about it,” he said. “He will be able to have the calming sense of yoga with him for a long time; it has benefi ts all around. Lynne is really good with the kids and understands them.”
Say ‘Namaste’ to Autism
Written by Dana Rosenwasser on 11 February 2010
Along with flexibility, Yoga improves the mental state of autistic children
While music and art therapy are at the top of the alternative or supplementary autism treatment list, yoga is attracting a new following. Lynne Silberman of Dallas, Texas created and currently runs a yoga program for special-needs children. Licensed by the Florida-based group Yoga for the Special Child, Silberman previously taught at Dallas Services before becoming an independent instructor.
Although physical activity is extremely beneficial to autistic children, encouraging them to participate in sports may expose them to risk for injury. Silbeman commented that she is aware of the risks. In addition, yoga entails slow movements that lower the possibility for injury as opposed to other activities.
As far as benefits are concerned, Silberman explains that Yoga improves the autistic children’s attention spans, balance and strength as well as confidence and self-control. Parents say they notice an improvement in their autistic child’s mental ability and spirit. encouraging them to participate in sports may expose them to risk for injury. Silbeman commented that she is aware of the risks. In addition, yoga entails slow movements that lower the possibility for injury as opposed to other activities.
As far as benefits are concerned, Silberman explains that Yoga improves the autistic children’s attention spans, balance and strength as well as confidence and self-control. Parents say they notice an improvement in their autistic child’s mental ability and spirit.
But the best part, the kids will tell you, is that their imagination can run wild. In addition to practicing yoga poses, autistic kids love to include their own creations like “ghost pose” or “goldfish pose”. From fun to function, yoga might be the right autism treatment for your child
Parents Finding Yoga Helps Children With Autism
Compiled From Staff Reports DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21)
April 27, 2009 5:23 pm US/Central
Parents with children who have autism are finding yoga to be a great help with the developmental disorder.
"It really helps the children with special needs learn self control and body awareness," said yoga therapist Lynne Silberman, who was an instructor at the Dallas Services Center . "It helps them concentrate on breathing to control temper tantrums."
Parents too say they are also noticing a difference in their child's development because of yoga.
"He's more aware of his hands and his body space," said Kellie Baker-Mitchell, whose son has autism. "I'm just delighted with the progress that he's made." (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Reporting:Marianne Martinez
DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) - 3/26/2010
With Some breathing and stretching, the children in a Dallas yoga class are making leaps and bounds, overcoming developmental disorders like Autism and Down Syndrome.
Alex Mitchell, a 6-year-old with autism, has been practicing yoga for about a year. "It makes me feel happy," he said.
In fact, CBS 11 News featured Alex in a story last April. Since then, his mother, Kellie, has noticed improvement in her son's behavior. "Alex has pervasive developmental disorder, which means he processes information differently from other kids and he is on the autism spectrum," she said.
According to Kellie, the yoga, especially the breathing exercises, has helped Alex control his emotions and reactions. "If he can't explain himself or not communicating in a way someone else can't understand, his abilty to calm down and then try to re-approach the situation has made a big difference," said Kellie.
Lynne Silberman is a yoga therapist who specializes in yoga for children with special needs. She teaches classes for children 3 years old to 26, called Stretch. "Yoga is something that every child can do," Lynne said, "and it's a way parents can bond with their children."
She also says that yoga is a good way for special needs children to engage in physical activities in a group setting. "Yoga works because it builds their confidence," said Lynne. "A lot of these children are not able to participate in typical sports."
Within a few months, yoga has helped 4-year-old Asher Stanely, who has some developmental delays with speech. "He's very self-conscious about talking in front of other people," said Asher's mother, Nancy Stanley. "He's starting to communicate more verbally."
The parents of these kids did not expect that yoga would make a difference, but they are thrilled with the results. "As a parent, you want to give your child all the opportunities you can to help them become self-sufficient and confident," Kellie said.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Stretch it all: Yoga classes allow children and adults with special needs to express themselves
TEXAS JEWISH POST
MARCH 25,2010
By Rachel Gross
It doesn’t take a lot of effort to put a smile on Lynne Silberman’s face — just ask her about her students,and her face lights up. She teaches yoga to children and adults with special needs, and typically developing children, giving them the opportunity to build confidence and express themselves. Silberman recently started her own business, Stretch, creating a non-competitive environment where children and adults can enjoy themselves while gaining a greater sense of body control and awareness. Individual and smallgroup sessions of four to eight people are offered. She said the most important thing is making sure every child feels comfortable in her classes.“It’s fun and there is always something new to learn,” the 25-year-old said. “The kids teach me as much as I teach them and we grow together.
In a group setting, the challenge is making sure I give each kid the time they need. I do a lot of one-on-one work with them. Yoga helps with body control and
awareness and helps regulate behavior.” Her classes are broken up by age and ability. Students begin with breathing exercises, followed by stretching to music. She tells her students stories about different animals, having them pose and make sounds imitating them. Silberman works out of a private home studio in North Dallas and [schools in the DFW area.] She has worked with all ages from infants to 25-year-olds. She said it’s essential that her students have fun and that she builds a relationship with each one.
“The point isn’t to make them do yoga and be bored; they learn how to stretch and do it in a fun way,” she said. “It builds their confidence to know they can handle situations and be in places they never thought possible. I like knowing that parents have a way to bond with their kids, because yoga is something parents and children can do together.” Silberman specializes in the areas of autism/pervasive developmental disorders, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, developmental disabilities, ADD/ADHD and learning disabilities.
She hasworked with children with special needs in a variety of different environments including hospitals, inclusive classrooms and pediatric therapy clinics. She is one of three licensed practitioners of Yoga for the Special Child in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area. She is a full-time graduate student as well, studying mental health counseling; she plans to delve into working with teenagers, dealing with eating disorders and depression. No matter where life takes her, she wants to continue the yoga classes. “I could never give up on my students; I form bonds with them,”
Silberman said. “Being licensed in this area, I have the knowledge of how to work with different diagnoses. Each child is different, and I do an evaluation with each one before they begin group sessions so I can get to know that child and their needs.” It’s this technique that makes her students succeed and want to come back. Silberman said yoga benefi ts children with special needs and those who are typically developing as they stretch, strengthen their muscles and release storedup tension. She added that the most rewarding aspects of her job are seeing the smiles on the children’s faces when they walk into class, and knowing she makes an impact on their lives. “I always wanted to help kids with special needs because I really see how they grow and how I make a difference in their lives,” she said. “These classes allow them to bond with other kids. I can tell how excited they always are when they get to the studio; I really reach them.”
Silberman has received accolades from parents. Nancy Stanley’s son Asher, who turns 4 next month, has been taking classes with Silberman for two months, and they have seen positive effects.. Stanley said yoga allows Asher to focus at school; he has learned to communicate better and always looks forward to class. “Lynne is able to engage Asher. She’s an important person to him and he is excited about yoga class,” Stanley said. “He laughs with her and this has allowed him to build his confidence. Lynne is knowledgeable when working with kids. She has a fl air and a knack for what she does and that’s what makes her successful.” And Marc agreed. He said his 3-1/2-year old son (whose name he did not wish to make public) is calmer and more focused at home and school. Being able to learn yoga techniques at a young age, Marc said, will help him in the future. “Lynne makes this fun for him. I’ve been really impressed and can’t say enough good things about it,” he said. “He will be able to have the calming sense of yoga with him for a long time; it has benefi ts all around. Lynne is really good with the kids and understands them.”
Say ‘Namaste’ to Autism
Written by Dana Rosenwasser on 11 February 2010
Along with flexibility, Yoga improves the mental state of autistic children
While music and art therapy are at the top of the alternative or supplementary autism treatment list, yoga is attracting a new following. Lynne Silberman of Dallas, Texas created and currently runs a yoga program for special-needs children. Licensed by the Florida-based group Yoga for the Special Child, Silberman previously taught at Dallas Services before becoming an independent instructor.
Although physical activity is extremely beneficial to autistic children, encouraging them to participate in sports may expose them to risk for injury. Silbeman commented that she is aware of the risks. In addition, yoga entails slow movements that lower the possibility for injury as opposed to other activities.
As far as benefits are concerned, Silberman explains that Yoga improves the autistic children’s attention spans, balance and strength as well as confidence and self-control. Parents say they notice an improvement in their autistic child’s mental ability and spirit. encouraging them to participate in sports may expose them to risk for injury. Silbeman commented that she is aware of the risks. In addition, yoga entails slow movements that lower the possibility for injury as opposed to other activities.
As far as benefits are concerned, Silberman explains that Yoga improves the autistic children’s attention spans, balance and strength as well as confidence and self-control. Parents say they notice an improvement in their autistic child’s mental ability and spirit.
But the best part, the kids will tell you, is that their imagination can run wild. In addition to practicing yoga poses, autistic kids love to include their own creations like “ghost pose” or “goldfish pose”. From fun to function, yoga might be the right autism treatment for your child
Parents Finding Yoga Helps Children With Autism
Compiled From Staff Reports DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21)
April 27, 2009 5:23 pm US/Central
Parents with children who have autism are finding yoga to be a great help with the developmental disorder.
"It really helps the children with special needs learn self control and body awareness," said yoga therapist Lynne Silberman, who was an instructor at the Dallas Services Center . "It helps them concentrate on breathing to control temper tantrums."
Parents too say they are also noticing a difference in their child's development because of yoga.
"He's more aware of his hands and his body space," said Kellie Baker-Mitchell, whose son has autism. "I'm just delighted with the progress that he's made." (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
