Building Confidence to
Build Skills
Formerly "Children with Special Needs" Program
We have experience working with children on the autism spectrum, ADHD, sensory integration disorders, hearing deficits, anxiety disorders, physical disabilities and some rare genetic disorders. Over time, we began research in the fields of psychology, health, neurobiology, and other professions, seeking advice from individuals with crossover expertise in such fields along with meditation to more precisely target benefits for children in this population.
Adaptive
Aikido
Training Methods for Children with Disabilities
The main thrust of the methods used in martial arts training is to evoke a meditative state, or balanced mental state, through games/activities, either quiet/calm or energetic, which substantially reduces stress. We work to bring to bring the child into the proper balance. Some children may need to let off excess energy while others may need to do an activity that quiets the mind. We keep class sizes small and instructor/student ratio high so that we can target the needs of the children and address them in a creative and appropriate manner. Children in such a balanced state are better able to face challenges and overcome obstacles. The ability to build new neural pathways is then enhanced.
Once a foundation of balance is set for practice, we focus on the development of skills. For example, various games are used and Aikido techniques are practiced. Some of the benefits are increased sensory awareness and integration, increased muscle tone and coordination, impulse control, ability to follow a sequence of instructions, and many more. We believe that children receive profound benefit from the practice of Aikido. Ultimately, self confidence is significantly improved as children find they are better able to accomplish more tasks than they thought possible. The increased confidence can lead to lower stress in a learning environment, which then increase capacity further, resulting in a virtuous cycle. Children are supported and encouraged, and given plenty of praise and positive reinforcement.
Social development is often limited for children with certain conditions, such as autism, but to the degree possible it is promoted through interaction with other children in class as well as the ability to attend other classes as appropriate.
We also make an effort to provide visual supports to aid children in learning: pictures of techniques and story books can often help children who benefit from a visual learning approach.
Full Family Approach More Effective
Involving the parents in the training methods we use can be helpful along many lines.
When a child has a diagnosis, parents often feel concerned for their future. Children experience an instinctive level and gnawing worry that they may not be able to make it in this world. When parents worry for them, the child senses their concern and the child feels their stress is confirmed. It then multiplies. This stress and lack of confidence reduces the child's ability to learn and function in their world. This impact further damages their confidence and increases their stress. You can see a destructive cycle forming, which can be challenging to clear.
Our process in class is designed to relax the child, get their energy out of their system and reduce stress about learning. At this point we begin to teach, to build confidence, improve performance and reverse the cycle in a positive direction.
However, with one 30 minute class per week, the benefit is limited. When parents learn how to calm themselves and build confidence through a physical practice such as tai chi or yoga, sometimes a child will wish to participate with them. The effect is the stress reduced for both the parent AND the child, and it is done "as needed" throughout the week. We offer classes in tai chi and private yoga lessons which can be used for this purpose. In addition, other methods may be recommended from an outside source of your choice.