Anat Baniel Method?

Re: Anat Baniel Method?

• pagirl81

  July 2012

  My son is doing ABM! We started back in December right after his first birthday. We're in PA though, so I don't have any recommendations for Ohio. But if you go to Anat's website, it lists all the certified practitioners - that's how we found ours.

  I've been very happy with the lessons and his progress. We still do traditional PT and OT as well, so I can't say for sure it's all ABM. But I like the theory behind ABM a bit better, it just seems more intuitive if that makes sense? For example, a few months ago when I said he was just starting to stand, the therapist did a whole lesson where he was standing and she'd keep tipping him in all directions (and catching him before he fell, obviously!). But towards the end he was catching himself and putting his hands out. I asked what she was doing and she said teaching him how to fall. If he's too afraid to fall, he'll never stand. Seems obvious, but for a kid with CP their brain doesn't always make those connections without some help.

   If you have any other questions, I'd be happy to answer. GL if you decide to start lessons!

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• Assembly_Reqd member

  July 2012

  I looked into this as well for Nate (hypoplasia of corpus callosum). I did manage to find a Feldenkrais therapist through EI believe it or not. We had hit a wall in PT and I asked if she knew anyone who was trained in ABM or Feldenkrais and there happened to be one who was also an EI therapist. We then switched. I cannot say that there has been any miracles but the PT she does seems much more in tune with how Nate moves and trying to re-train him to do the correct movements instead of all the work arounds he has figured out. 

  I am not sure we would pay OOP for it though.....it is about 125 a session and she doesn't take insurance. I think you also have to be careful with the practitioner you choose. Ours is a licensed PT who also has Feldenkrais therapy training.

  Also, be prepared for a more 'alternative' personality. My husband jokes that after she leaves the house we need to sweep up all the granola she has left behind.... 

  WAY 2 Cool 4 School
  

  
  

  
  

  

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• FlgBride member

  July 2012

  We are currently considering it, but I'm feeling a little wary. I'm not sure how I feel about paying for everything OOP, especially given the amount we currently spend per month for PT, OT, and DSI after insurance. I'd do it in a second if I felt 100% confident about it, as I just want to help my son. However, I also don't like throwing money away. I recently joined a group on FB and plan to ask if anyone there has a child with FXS and what results they've seen.
  

  dx: Fragile X Syndrome

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• pagirl81

  July 2012

  I do pay OOP for the ABM lessons. It's not cheap ($75/lesson) and they recommend you do 2 sessions/day for 3-4 consecutive days a month. So we do 6 lessons a month ($450). Fortunately, his other PT and OT are covered either by EI or insurance, so it's not too bad. And it is covered by your FSA/HSA if you have one set up. You just need a note on file from your doc saying ABM is recommended therapy.

  Honestly, I feel it is money VERY well spent. Again, I can't prove his progress is the direct result of ABM but I do feel like he started hitting a lot more milestones after beginning this therapy. If anyone is curious, I'd recommend giving it a try.

  Oh, and not all therapists are super granola-y (or whatever the term is). Ours is perfectly normal

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• pandabear12178

  July 2012

  PAGirl, my daughter sees someone for ABM as well in Pa, where in Pa are you?? We may have the same therapist!!

  

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