Can the Anat Baniel Method (ABM) help your child?

ABM is a learning based approach which uses gentle, innovative techniques to help the brain of the child form new neural connections and patterns.  ABM helps take the child beyond their current limitations and often the changes begin happening right away and can be quite dramatic.

ABM is based on the understanding that many childhood diseases, traumas or everyday stresses interrupt the brain's normal and spontaneous process of learning. This also interrupts the communication that needs to happen between the child's body, the child's world, and the child's brain. Often, it is possible to directly communicate with the child's nervous system in very gentle, yet powerful ways, through movement, greater awareness and non-verbal kinesthetic experiences.

Where in traditional therapies there is great emphasis on trying to get the child to do what they are supposed to be doing based on his or her age.  A very different approach is taken with ABM.  Instead of trying to directly fix the problem by focusing on what the child cannot do, whether that's trying to stretch a short muscle, practice reading repetitively or instructing the child over and over how to relate to others, the focus is shifted to where the solutions actually lie - with the brain.

Everything we see a healthy child do is the result of a complex process of differentiation in the brain, creating new connections and new patterns. All the child's experiences, whether by her own initial random movements or by what is done with her by those caring for her, is information used by her brain to develop and grow. When a problem like a stroke, autism, cerebral palsy, or a genetic disorder occurs, this process is interrupted and the child manifests a host of limitations. Forcing a child to move a spastic arm will normally give very little, or no outcome. ​

When a child is unable to recognize and sort emotional and social interactions and cues, repeated attempts to get that child to relate to others is at best only partially successful. This is because their brain is unable to transform the stimulation received into meaningful information.  ABM focuses on helping the brain do its job better. It helps the brain right itself and regain its ability to powerfully and consistently create new patterns and successful solutions.​

Children Intensives - what are they and why must I book my lessons in this way?
Intensives are a series of 12 (30 minutes) lessons taken place within a one to two week period and depending on the child, 2 to 3 lessons per day are preferable. Intensive lessons are mandatory at Miles of Movement Therapy, to ensure a more transformative and permanent neuroplastic change, particularly in children with learning delays or with Special Needs.
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Depending on results, they may be repeated on a monthly, bimonthly or less frequent basis, for ongoing growth and change. At this time, Individual Lessons are the only way Miles of Movement Therapy works with children.  A consult is mandatory before booking intensives. Each lesson is a maximum of 30 minutes in length and is $75 per lesson (in office) and $100 home visit. Intensive packages that provide a significant amount of savings are available. Click on book a lesson to see the package rates.

ABM Has Helped Children With:

ADD and learning disabilities

Asperger's Disorder

Autism

Cerebral Palsy

Birth Injuries

Brachial Plexus Injury

Brain Damage/Stroke

Torticollis

Down's Syndrome

Feeding disorders

Fragile X

Genetic Disorders

Scoliosis

Stroke

Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Parents and Caregivers note that their child:

Sleeps better

Pays attention longer

Makes more sounds

Gains more movement choices

Has an improved mood

Has better balance

Shows better problem solving skills

When a child begins learning in this manner, significant progress often follows. Early intervention can yield very rapid results, but we have also had great successes with children who had many years of conventional treatments before discovering ABM.

What does success with the special needs child look like?
There is some progress/change within the first few lessons, or the child is not learning. The changes may be subtle or dramatic, but if the child is learning, there will be some noticeable change.  Recognizing even the most subtle changes and building enthusiasm toward them will help the changes happen even faster.

The child should be safe, comfortable, and happy during their sessions. Learning is a pleasurable and satisfying experience leading to greater freedom and ease.

While the diagnosis may remain, the quality of the child's experience and joy will increase.