Yoga Therapy: Foundations for Function in Pediatrics
Anne Buckley-Reen, OTR/RYT

 Course Description:                                                                                                   COURSE CALENDAR & REGISTRATION INFO

This workshop introduces the clinician to  a balanced therapeutic yoga approach with modifications for various populations. Through experiential labs you will learn the physical, physiological, regulatory, emotional and sensory- motor benefits of Yoga for children with developmental challenges.  Learn the benefits and modifications for special populations. Use of Rhythm and Breath control will be emphasized to facilitate regulation and organization. A sequence of postures will be analyzed to highlight the therapeutic aspects of each. Neuro-physiological benefits will be described and enhanced by videotaped case studies.  Anne Buckley Reen is an experienced clinician and certified yoga instructor who shares the power of yoga therapy in this exciting and inspiring workshop

Case studies will highlight the therapeutic benefits of the program with populations challenged by:

Autism
PDD/anxiety disorder
LD and motor planning issues
ADD/ADHD
General developmental delays
Degenerative conditions


Learning Objectives:

Following completion of this course, participants will:

1. Have an understanding of the specific motor, sensory, biochemical and neuro- physiological benefits of a therapeutic yoga program.
2. Understand how, when and why to use yoga to address individual therapeutic goals.
3. Become familiar with a basic classroom yoga program.
4. Understand how to address self regulatory goals with specific yoga practices.
5. Implement a yoga program designed to build body awareness, motor planning, and motor development.
6. Improve attention and self regulation via yogic breathing practices.
7. Enhance relatedness and develop circles of communication with yoga.
8. Understand how a basic yoga practice influences digestion, metabolism and elimination and enhances immune function.
9. Understand the use of yoga as a daily “sensory diet”.


SAMPLE SCHEDULE

Day 1

9:00-10:15

Morning yoga routine:  preparing the body and mind for learning

                        Therapeutic yoga session  - yoga mat required

10:15-10:30

Break

10:30-12:00

Yoga program overview:
                              Breathing Techniques: rhythm, respiration and self-regulation
                  Impact on Sympathetic and Parasympathic nervous system
                  Emotional control and the breath
                  Eye exercises: vision and yoga-
                  Visual attention and focal vision

12:00 - 1:00

Lunch (on your own)

1:00 - 2:30

ASANAS: Yoga postures:
               Discussion of basic postures, physiological and therapeutic benefits
               Basic sequences 1, 2, 3, contraindications
               Components of a balanced program

2:30 - 2:45

Break

2:45 - 4:30

  • Yoga impact on brain chemistry and behavior
  • Touch, proprioception and mapping- comparison between NDT/ Sensory processing and Yoga
  • Body awareness and motor development: yoga as a foundation
  • Stress, fear and function: Feeling safe in one’s body 

Day 2

9:00 - 10:15

Yoga practice for:

  •   Self regulation
  •   The disorganized LD child
  •   The fearful, anxious and obsessive child
  •   The child with neuromuscular involvement: spasticity
  •   The child with a progressive neuromuscular condition

10:15 - 10:30

Break

10:30 - 12:00

Discussion

Yoga for the autistic child:  Jimmy, Joey slide show

  • the environment – safety, mats, adequate individual space, nurturing caregivers
  • use of visuals
  • pacing the sequence counting- predictability
  • repetition, sequencing and novelty- initial, progressive
  • facilitating circles of communication- song, chant, imitation repeating postures

12:00 - 1:00

Lunch (on your own)

1:00 - 2:30

Yoga in the Classroom: educational and developmental implications

  • Classroom programs
  • Seated sequence
  • Classroom video

2:30 - 2:45

Break

2:45 - 4:30

Yoga for a child with:

A progressive neuromuscular condition  Peyton: Moms tape, his sequence

  • impact on emotions
  • immune function
  • endurance
  • respiration
  • motor Control

 

                       

Yoga for a child with behavioral/ self regulatory challenges:  John, Aiden
Biochemical imbalances and behavior: a yogic perspective
  • falling in love: establishing a trusting therapeutic relationship
  • feeling the changes/ measuring the changes  (parent and child feedback)
  • modifying the program
  • getting compliance: a daily 15 minute routine

 

Considerations:

  • Self practice
  • working with the more challenged child: getting staff involved
  • props and visuals: indications for specific populations
  • working with groups: indications for # of students and length of session
  • Baseline data/ measuring progress
  • Building yoga into a daily practice; suggestions and strategies

Target Audience:

This course is designed to  expand the therapeutic perspective of PT’s Ot’s and ST’s working with children with challenges.  In addition to enhancing understanding and application of  yoga to address therapeutic goals, this course will also help the therapist establish an organized and developmentally effective protocol for addressing a wide range of challenges.

Course Level:
Advanced beginner to Experienced

Participant Feedback: ”By far, the best course I’ve ever attended”.  “I had underestimated the incredible therapeutic potential of yoga” “Not only did I learn a wealth of valuable clinical information, but my own physical issues were considerably improved by the end of the course