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Adults have long practised yoga for these very reasons, but only recently have pro- grams been created for chil- dren, in particular, for those with special needs Yoga calms the mind, reduces stre‘ss and creates a greater awareness of one’s Although much of the eviâ€" dence is anecdotal, parents of autistic children who partici- pate in specially created yoga programs, find the combinaâ€" tion of poses. breathing exer- cises and deep relaxation techniques strengthens an autistic child’s nervous sys- tem. It also increases the child's overall health, while facilitat- ing the development of body awareness and concentra- tion. An autistic child has very little awareness or contml of his or her body, which is often why they will act out in inappropriate situations or exhibit behaviours such as hand flapping when stressed or overwhelmed. “By incorporating yoga (into an autistic child’s thera- peutic program) it gives these kids new skills they can take with them to the rest of their lives," said Amanda Clarke, a Stoufl'ville-based certified yoga instructor who special- izes in classes for special needs children. “Hopefully the end result is an overall improvement in their quality of life, but that can be said about anyone with yoga" As part of its effort to teach an autistic child to success- fully fgnction in society, [Jet's Communicate, a Stoufivilleâ€" based behaviour therapy cen- Ue, will be offering yoga to special needs children start- HEALTH BENEFITS FDR AUTISTIC CHILDREN AT STDUFFVILLE CENTRE Special needs kids discovering yoga BY SANDRA BOLAN sbolan@yrmg.com Take Your Free Heart 8: Stroke Risk Assessment visit www.heartandstroke.ca l-888-HSF-INFO ThismssagebmmbyouasammsewbedTMEwunisMMVSme Are you at RiSk for Olivia Clarke, daughter of instructor in Stoufl'ville gram, demonstrates a basic yoga pose. “The ultimate goal is' for every child to self regulate,” said 'Iracey Grenstead, owner/operator of Let’s Communicateflf you don't have any coping tools, you can't self regulate." In order to make the classes enjoyable and doable for autistic children, Ms Clarke utilizes stories, music and breathing exercises that would. for example;""have yoga,” Ms Clarke said. Let's Communicate will initially offer classes to chil- dren aged six to 12. Classes will be $10 each and on a pay-as-you-go system. "It takes about nine classes before the body physically gets used to the routine or change," Ms Clarke said, noting parents should be patient when it comes to seeing the results. In order to make the classes enjoyable and doable for autistic children, Ms Clarke utilizes stories, music and breathing exercises that would, for examplef'have the children roar like a lion. ing the week of March 23.7 out knowing they’re doing “We do it in a fun way so they’re doing yoga with- heart disease and stroke? For more information, go to www. Ietscommunicate. ca. (IMAM - ln-home help and care - Meals ‘on Wheels - Wellness/social programs - Transportation - Hospital-to-home transition - Caregiver support - Home medical equipment - ...and more! ONTARIO SERVICES g3) 1mmflPSormqu @ mmmnmaammdmmmm DeafBlind weight loss“ clinic ‘ f { we up to a Healthy/Breakfast with ad on orders over $1500 before taxes CHATS can support you in living well! ‘Leave anonymous tips by phone or online' 'Cashrewardstoranonymwsfipsmatleadtoananest' 581 2 Main St., Stouffville 905-642-9983 CHATS 905-713-6596 Communilv 1 Home Assistince ToSeniors www.chats.on.ca (We wen, age mu, be mu WQLWEQ“; F‘ualra/nl ‘t.e.e,dfflgers;ulllts‘!{ For More Information See Our Advertisement on the This message brought to you as a community service 0! The Markham Economist Sun Saturday, March 14th Coupon must be presented when ordering mama mefifiw I ‘- . The Markham Economist Sun would like to partner with the community and help get the word out about your event. This is a free service that the Markham Economist Sun is now offering to it’s readers. Is your business or community group having an anniversary, grand opening or are you supporting a community-event? Email event details and or photos of your community event to Pam Burgess Special Events. (‘ommuniu Partnership Manager at pburgessflnmgxom ECéNb‘M‘IST 8: SUN Your Community Newspaper MARKHAM $339) Housifig Help Centre a WTM