Feldenkrais for Special Needs Children Advanced training for working with children and babies with special needs

We will study key principles of working with children and babies that differ from working with adults - including how to work with behaviour and communication, and partner with and empower parents and caregivers. Knowing how to work with these differences can make the difference -  between lessons that ‘simply’ help, and lessons that can transform a child’s life and family. In support of this, we will study how to work with a range of specific challenges children live with, such as spasticity due to brain injury; genetic and chromosomal differences; low muscle tone; autism; attention deficit disorder and anxiety.  The curriculum will also be shaped by the children who visit us for a series of Functional Integration lessons over several days. Practitioners can choose to work with a child, or to observe these lessons. Those working will receive supervision and mentoring during the lessons. After a lesson the whole group will have time to study and learn from what arose.  This process of preparation, doing, observing and reflecting will be supported by relevant ATM, experiential anatomy and guided movement and perception explorations.  Above all, it is the transformative potential in ourselves and the children that we wish to support through this training. 

This advanced training is specifically open to Feldenkrais practitioners. Students of training from 3rd year upwards can take part, while remaining observers of the IFs given to the children.

• Participants will acquire specific skills for working with children and babies, especially those facing developmental challenges (spasticity, autism, attention deficit disorders, anxiety, etc.). They will learn to adapt their approach to the individual needs of children, taking into account the fundamental differences with adults.
• Develop a better understanding of children's behaviors and communication patterns, as well as strategies for accompanying them effectively.
• Actively involve and support parents and helpers, towards a collaborative and caring approach.
• Practical experience and reflection, by working directly with children or observe Functional Integration (FI) lessons, with supervision and mentoring.

Child and babies development, behavior and communication, partnership with parents.

The training blends experiential learning, hands-on work with children, theory, and reflective feedback and discussions. Over the course of the five days, participants will deepen their skills, gain practical experience, and refine their approach through guided practice and group interaction.

Participants must be certified Feldenkrais practitioners or students in at least their third year of training. Students still in training will participate as observers during sessions with the children.