Submitted by MF
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| Challenged getting along with others | Interacts with peers in a more mature way; developing stronger friendships |
| Unfocused and restless | More cooperative and focused |
| Occasionally hyperactive | Exhibits more self-control |
| Easily angered | Fewer angry episodes |
| Extremely sensitive about the feel of clothes and shoes | Less sensitive |
| Depressed and lethargic | Happy, confident, and involved |
Jim is my 12 yo son, and the reason that I took the Brain and Sensory Foundations course. He has been in school and homeschooled, both. We took him out of school because his behavioral issues were getting too frequent. He would make fun of other kids, disrupt class and steal sweets. He had issues at home too. He was unfocused, restless, at times hyperactive, loud, boisterous, and could get really angry. He was behind about 1-2 years in school, and behaviorally acted 2 years younger (or more). He was extremely picky about clothes and shoes and the way they felt. At times, he would make repetitive noises. He seemed to be trying to annoy people a lot of the time. His friendships were suffering. He was 12, and still had great difficulty tying his shoes. We think he is ADHD, but were unwilling to submit him to counseling or to put him on meds.
We were trying some natural solutions and diet changes at home, but they only showed minimal results. He was depressed, lethargic, and spoke of not caring if he was alive.
- After 2 months of brain tune-ups, rhythmic movements and reflex stimulation/integration, homeschool is going MUCH easier for Jim and me. He is more cooperative, and focused.
- I've been doing movement work with him 3x per week for 15-20 min per session. He really likes it and relaxes into it.
- At first he could not do rhythmic movements #1 or #3 unassisted, but now he can sustain those for a little bit.
- He baked flatbread entirely by himself and it came out great! Jim says he thinks the movements are working! He has far more energy, making lunch for the family, building forts outside.
- I am seeing big improvements in focus during math and spelling, and therefore the lessons take less time. When asked in Spanish how he was doing, he replied "happy"!
I explained to him a bit of the theory behind all this. He told me that sometimes when he writes (which he has been very resistant to) his brain says one thing and his fingers write another (usually a letter or number).
I am happy to say that after 2 months of movement [that we learned in your Brain and Sensory Foundations course], Jim is a changed boy. His depression seems to be gone. He no longer says he's stupid. He is noticeably more confident and interested in things. He says this is the best year of his life so far. And that he used to not want to grow up, but now he's excited for it, because he can see all the possibilities. He's been learning to bake bread, repair engines, and play the bass. He does his school work far more willingly and with more focus. He has been more tired, so I have let him sleep in a lot. His behavior with his peers is far more mature. He has not stolen anything. He seems to have more self-control. He is less clingy and picky. We have not seen his scary anger in many weeks.
I cannot express my gratitude enough, Sonia. This course has been nothing short of miraculous for our sons. Our whole family is so much more harmonious and loving now.
Thanks from the bottom of my heart
MF
Update from Mother
March 15th, 2016
Hi Sonia,
Since [the previous report, our son], has been on an even keel, despite the fact that I have found little time to do any movement with him. His friendships seem more healthy as well. It's a testament to the method.
We have had 2 big trips (usually taxing for him) without incident.
We just returned home from another visit to Grandpa's. I did not find time or energy for movement, but I am amazed that my son continues to grow and thrive, it's like a door was opened. The one thing I notice in particular is that when he is frustrated or angry, he starts to get into his old patterns, but stops himself. He has not gone there, into his old patterns of anger and self-bashing, since last fall. And there continues to be no sign of his depression. He is in the habit of saying he's stupid, still, but it's a knee-jerk reaction that clearly has no meaning for him now. I think he says it now to hear me negate it. He's been happy, confident, and involved. He actually plays with his brother now, a relationship that I feared would never become close again. The whole family dynamic has changed, and we are all more happy.
I am definitely going to get back into doing the movements with both sons (and husband), I do think there's lots more work to be done.
So, of course you have my permission to use the case study. I hope it helps.
Thanks again for everything,
MF