Yoga for the Special Child^®

Today, we know that yoga offers significant benefits to people of all ages, both typically developing and those with special needs. This unique program is designed specifically to enrich the lives of infants, children and teens with developmental delays and special needs. Yoga for the Special Child^® was developed by founder, Sonia Sumar and incorporates these essential components:

Physical Postures (Asanas)
These postures tone specific muscle and nerve groups, circulation, and stimulates the organs and endocrine glands. While improving strength, flexibility, balance and motor coordination, these postures also form the basis of yoga's mind-body integration work.  Each session ends with a period of guided deep relaxation, where the body is given time to assimilate the benefits.

Breath Exercises (Pranayama)
Specific breathing techniques are designed to increase lung capacity and cell oxygenation and helps clear the respiratory tract. Breath exercises also help to increase mental focus and reduce stress. Our breath is essential to life, nourishing every cell in our body.  Proper breathing positively influences our nervous system as well as our overall health and general well-being.

Music and Sound Therapy
Through the use of rhythm and melody, combined with hand movements and sound combinations, children develop concentration, breath coordination, as well as improved communication, social and motor skills.
 
Role of the Parent
A vital role in the program is that of the parent as guide, inspiration and role model. Parents may find it helpful to participate in adult yoga classes as well. 

The Benefits of Yoga
Hatha yoga is both gentle and safe and requires no special equipment. Children will learn a step-by-step integrated system designed to improve:  

• attention and focus 
• cognitive and motor skills 
• communication skills 
• balance and strength
• range of motion and flexibility
• digestion and elimination 
• body awareness 
• self-confidence
• oxygenation of the brain 
• release of toxins from the body
• deep relaxation

About Your Instructor
Since 1989, Kirsten Brown has been dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with special needs. In 1992, she became a certified special education teacher and has had the opportunity to work with children whose disabilities range from mild to severe.  In 2007, after discovering the positive impact of yoga within her own life, she incorporated some basic yoga principles into her curriculum with a few of her students withKirsten strongly believes that all children, regardless of age or ability, can benefit from this unique yoga program. Yoga is a method to overcome obstacles, providing the child with specific tools for a holistic mind-body-spirit approach to improving their daily lives.  more...

As a licensed practitioner of Yoga for the Special Child^®, Kirsten offers private evaluations and yoga sessions by appointment. 

For contact information and availability, please click here. 

Services Available
We will begin with an initial private session to evaluate your child.  This will ensure that the program, specifically designed for your child, is well-suited to any specific needs or medical issues. After the initial evaluation, subsequent sessions consist of 30-45 minutes of individualized, hands-on instruction in poses (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama) as well as music and sound therapy.

Consultation with parents to develop a personalized home yoga practice for their child is also available.  Please call or email for more information, including rates and space availability.

For further information on Yoga for the Special Child^® and it's founder, Sonia Sumar, please click visit www.specialyoga.com
Yoga for the Special Child^® is a registered trademark of Yoga for the Special Child®, LLC

 Family or Organizational Consultation and Training

Benefits for the Care Recipient: 
A well-informed caregiver can transform the world and improve the overall experience of life, providing greater relief, joy and ease.    

Benefits for Caregivers/Families: 
A solid knowledge base and realistic expectations increases the caregivers confidence, morale and their ability to best serve the client. 

Benefits for Supporting Organizations:
A confident, well-trained caregiver provides the supporting organization with greater long-term employment, increased professionalism and expertise.    

For Families & Private In-Home Care

For the Organization

• Evaluate success of training tools and classes currently offered
• Determine caregivers average level of experience and education 
• Create curriculum directed toward sensitivity training and increasing awareness of various disabilities and their complexities
• Investigate current obstacles, issues or concerns for the organization and staff
• Outline methods for problem solving

• Customize training and consulting toward varying levels of expertise to accomplish organizational and independent goals  

   

"We can do no great things, only small things with great love."  --Mother Teresa