Today, Autism Spectrum Disorders are growing at epidemic rates — affecting 1 in 88 individuals and 1 in 54 boys. Many people with ASDs suffer anxiety, sleep disturbances, poor self-regulation, and sensory sensitivities… all of which “significantly” impair daily functioning… and quality of life.
Can a simple, easily-learned, evidence-based meditation technique be an effective tool for reducing the symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Transcendental Meditation, an evidence-based meditation technique, practiced by more than FIVE million people. It has been found capable of improving  symptoms of ASDs.

People with ASDs “frequently” struggle with transition and changes in routine, and find social interactions… stressful. Friendships tend to be challenging; individuals with ASD commonly struggle to perceive social cues, interpret the social intentions of others, recognize the impact of their “own” actions in social situations… and respond in socially conventional ways.

Reducing stress and anxiety has the potential to “significantly” improve the quality of life of people with ASDs… and their families.  However, current treatment for anxiety and stress is very limited.

Transcendental Meditation is a simple, effortless technique practiced for just 15 to 20 minutes, TWICE a day, by adults, and 10 to 12 minutes TWICE a day by adolescents.  It is practiced by sitting comfortably with your eyes CLOSED.  People of ALL ages and backgrounds (including those with ASD) are able to learn and practice TM.

During TM sessions, the individual experiences a unique state of deep rest and heightened alertness, which reduces stress… and promotes more coherent brain functioning.

Why is THIS relevant today?

Because conventional treatment options for ASDs are “limited.” TM has an “excellent” record of success for reducing anxiety and stress, and improving the quality of life for children AND adults with autism.

A gathering was co-hosted by the David Lynch Foundation (DLF)—and the Joey Lowenstein Foundation, founded by mother and son, Roberta and Joey Lowenstein, at the DLF offices in New York. Bob Roth, Executive Director of the David Lynch Foundation served as Moderator.

Roberta Lowenstein is the mother of an extraordinary young man with autism, 17-year-old Joey Lowenstein. She is also the Founder and Chair of the Joey Lowenstein Foundation, a nonprofit which focuses on Athletics, Nutrition, Self-Development,   RPM(RapidPromptingMethod), and Seizure and Brain Research.

Diagnosed with autism at the age of 2 and a half years of age, Joey — and Roberta — have endured much over the years. The most inspiring of which was Joey’s recent conquering of a 14-year virtual silence. Unable to communicate through typical speech (or so was thought), Joey had uttered few words through the age of 14.

However, this changed three and a half years ago when Joey’s mother discovered a method of communicating called Rapid Prompting Method (RPM). RPM is an educational platform that utilizes a letter board to facilitate education and communication. Having tried dozens of therapies over the years nothing could have prepared Roberta for what was coming.

What was previously impossible became possible when Joey began using a letter board to speak. The flood gates of communication opened (and so had Roberta’s tears) releasing 14 years of ‘bottled-up’ expression, thoughts concealed, fears and dreams for the future. Matthew Kennedy, Joey’s mentor and RPM instructor has played an integral role in Joey’s expressing his “voice”.

Although not formally taught, Joey could read. He could perform eighth grade math. He is witty. He can write poetry; possessing a wisdom well beyond his teenage years. His Rabbi describes Joey as ‘an old soul.’

Joey Lowenstein presented his thoughts using RPM in front of an audience at the David Lynch Foundation. It was truly an inspiration to “hear” his thoughts. Here are some excerpts from the dialogue:

Bob Roth (BRoth):  Bob explained Transcendental Meditation, what it is and what it is not.  Seeking your rich Internal world……
Roberta Lowenstein shared the fact that she had learned Transcendental Meditation about three years ago when her dear friend Lorraine Cancro, MSW, Executive Director of the Global Stress Initiative coordinated many of their Scientific and Lay Advisors take the class with Bob Roth.  After continuing meditating Roberta asked Bob if he thought Joey, who was autistic, could learn to meditate? Roberta spoke about the process of Joey learning to sit quietly for 20 minutes twice a day, and that both of Joey’s RPM therapists, (Matthew and Brianne), had learned to meditate with Bob. Roberta related to the audience Joey’s famous  phrase that “TM Calms the Mind and the MOM”

Some excerpts from the enlightening dialogue between Joey and the audience are below:

BRoth:  Joey, how do you feel during meditation and afterwards?

JL:  NOW I HAVE REALLY TO THANK MY MEDITATION TEACHER BOBBY

BRoth:  How do you feel during Meditation?

JL:   DURING MEDITATION I REALLY FALL INTO A SPELL OF QUIETNESS.

BRoth:  How do you feel right after Meditation?

JL:  HOW I FEEL IS TOTALLY RESTORED AND JUST LIKE I CAN HANDLE THE CRAZY WORLD WE JUST LIVE IN.
BRoth:  Why do you think other people will benefit from Meditation?

JL:  YES, IT MOST CERTAINLY REALLY  MORE THAN EXPECTED, WILL REDUCE STRESS IN THE LIVES AND FAMILIES OF THOSE WHO MEDITATE.MOM WILL REALLY TELL YOU THAT BEFORE WE FOUND MEDITATION AND THE LETTER BOARD, I WAS NOT, NOT, NOT SEEN BY OTHERS AS A VERY MATURE AND SMART YOUNG MAN.

The audience shared a few questions and comments below:

Richard Peterson: (Joey’s personal trainer and nutritionist)  I noticed that after TM started that Joey’s ability to concentrate and calm himself showed improvment, and his athletic abilities increased.

Martha Simmons: (Family friend/Reading specialist)  Did you ever have any moments of doubt about RPM or Meditation?  If so what kept you going?

JL:  MATTHEW ALWAYS TELLS ME NOT TO EVER GIVE UP

There was Spontaneous Applause from the audience!

Vinnie Forras:  (someone new to Joey)  Joey your clarity and depth of thinking is so impressive.  It is obvious people around you love you so much.

The audience was truly moved by Joey’s words and the goals of his foundation. Joey’s foundation will have the resources to help people who have autism, in the words of Joey, “Break the Barriers of Autism” and find their own bridge to communicating WHO they are, and WHAT they are capable of doing with their “unique” gifts.

Roberta explained that her relationship with her son, Joey, improved greatly through the regular practice of TM. This shared quiet time or “going within” has helped Joey find  inspiration. Soon after Joey told his mother that he wanted to start a business or foundation to help others like him to find their voice and maximize their potential. He does not want to be limited by his disorder and wants others to know they can “Breaking the Barriers of Autism” too. Clearly, Joey is a remarkable young man.

Bob Roth stated “TM is great for the developing brain and the pre-frontal cortex. TM increases mental flexibility and a willingness to interact with others which leads to a reduction in stress for individual and their family. It helps the autistic individual create a wider world. Two areas of impairment for autistic individuals is their ability to sleep and ability to socialize. These areas improve greatly while practicing TM.”

In the words of Joey Lowenstein, “TM helps you find tranquility within. Stay cool and you can take the heat.”

If you are interested in learning more about Transcendental Meditation and how IT can be used to help you or a family member – or your clients – with Autism Spectrum Disorder, please write to:

AUTISM@DAVIDLYNCHFOUNDATION.ORG.

The post Transcendental Meditation impacts an incredible, young autistic man – Joey Lowenstein!!! appeared first on Good News!.

Monday, January 27, 6-9pm
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
4 Times Square | 42nd St. at 7th Ave., NYC

“It Takes a Team to Support Young Global Leadership”

With Special Music presented by
The Arts Global Foundation

Recognizing the Arts, Education and Orphan Care
in Haiti, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka – and the U.S.
Recognizing Jesse Pollans & Joey Lowenstein
Recognizing the Foundation’s Global Advisers
Tickets $50 (Link)

The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation, Inc., charted in the State of New York,
has been granted 501(c)3 designation by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
www.lucefoundation.org | 540 Main Street #418, New York, N.Y. 10044

The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation honored two young leaders making a difference on a global level at its Third annual Luce Leadership Awards Ceremony & Reception at Skadden Arps in Times Square this past Monday evening.The 2014 theme for the awards ceremony was “It Takes a Team to Support Young Global Leadership” – recognizing the Arts, Education and Orphan Care in India, Indonesia, Haiti, Sri Lanka and the United States. Recipients were chosen on their ability to better humanity, either in the United States or abroad, by displaying characteristics of honor, intelligence, benevolence and integrity. This year’s awards recipients were Jesse Pollans (Motivated to Make a Change) and Joey Lowenstein (Breaking the Barriers of Autism). Music was provided by the Arts Global Foundation. Jitin Hingorani, a J. Luce Foundation global advisor and CEO of JINGO Media, emceed the evening and the Sri Lankan Ambassador to the United Nations, His Excellence Dr. Palitha Kohona, delivered the keynote address.

The post THE JIM LUCE FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP AWARDS RECEPTION 2014 appeared first on Good News!.

Autism Spectrum Disorders or “ASDs,” are described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a group of developmental disabilities that can cause “significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.”

Today, Autism Spectrum Disorders are growing at epidemic rates — affecting 1 in 88 individuals and 1 in 54 boys. Many people with ASDs suffer anxiety, sleep disturbances, poor self-regulation, and sensory sensitivities… all of which “significantly” impair daily functioning… and quality of life.

Founders and Members of the David Lynch Foundation, the Joey Lowenstein Foundation and the Center for Assessment and Treatment for Autism discussed the effects of a simple, evidence-based meditation technique, practiced by more than FIVE million people, popularly known as Transcendental Meditation, or TM. It has been found capable of improving these symptoms in the treatment of ASDs.

People with ASDs “frequently” struggle with transition and changes in routine, and find social interactions… stressful. Friendships tend to be challenging; individuals with ASD commonly struggle to perceive social cues, interpret the social intentions of others, recognize the impact of their “own” actions in social situations… and respond in socially conventional ways.

Reducing stress and anxiety has the potential to “significantly” improve the quality of life of people with ASDs… and their families.  However, current treatment for anxiety and stress is very limited.

Transcendental Meditation is a simple, effortless technique practiced for just 15 to 20 minutes, TWICE a day, by adults, and 10 to 12 minutes TWICE a day by adolescents.  It is practiced by sitting comfortably with your eyes CLOSED.  People of ALL ages and backgrounds (including those with ASD) are able to learn and practice TM.

During TM sessions, the individual experiences a unique state of deep rest and heightened alertness, which reduces stress… and promotes more coherent brain functioning.

Why is THIS relevant today?

Because conventional treatment options for ASDs are “limited.” TM is has an “excellent” record of success for reducing anxiety and stress, and improving the quality of life for children AND adults with autism.

Two “leading” scientific experts, Norman Rosenthal, MD and David Black, MD addressed the impact of Transcendental Meditation on stress, anxiety and health… and its impact on autism.

Dr. Rosenthal is the world-renowned psychiatrist who first described seasonal affective disorder(SAD) and pioneered the use of light therapy, which has helped millions of people around the world.  For this, he was awarded the prestigious Anna Monika International Prize for Research.

He is an expert on the medical benefits of Transcendental Meditation, the author of over 200 scholarly articles and the best-selling author of 8 popular books, including “Transcendence,” and most recently, “The Gift of Adversity.”  He is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Georgetown University School of Medicine.

Dr. Rosenthal stated “Transcendental meditation can reduce blood pressure, anxiety, fight or flight response, and is a legitimate treatment for hypertension. With Autism Spectrum Disorders symptoms of anxiety are diminished with the regular practice of TM. With a decrease in anxiety there is less chance of tantrums, emotional regulation is improved and leads to the individual’s ability adapt to new things – foods, people, changes in schedule, etc.”

Dr. Black is a pediatric neuropsychologist and scientist, who is a nationally-recognized expert in autism spectrum and related disorders. He has spent much of the last ten years working clinically with children, adolescents, and adults with autism spectrum disorders. He is a researcher in the Pediatrics and Developmental Neuroscience Branch at the National Institute of Mental Health, NIH… where he has been investigating the factors that contribute to the best outcomes among children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders.

Dr. Black stated, “All medications have side effects as opposed to Transcendental Meditation which has no side effects.”

This webinar was co-hosted by the David Lynch Foundation, the Center for Autism Assessment and Treatment—and the Joey Lowenstein Foundation.

Although not formally taught, Joey could read. He could perform eighth grade math. He is witty. He can write poetry; possessing a wisdom well beyond his teenage years. His Rabbi describes Joey as ‘an old soul.’

Roberta Lowenstein is the mother of an extraordinary young man with autism, 17-year-old Joey Lowenstein. She is also the Founder and Chair of the Joey Lowenstein Foundation, a nonprofit which focuses on Athletics, Nutrition, Self-Development,   RPM(RapidPromptingMethod), and Seizure and Brain Research.

Diagnosed with autism at the age of 2, Joey — and Roberta — have endured much over the years. The most inspiring of which was Joey’s recent conquering of a 14-year virtual silence. Unable to communicate through typical speech (or so was thought), Joey had uttered few words through the age of 14.

However, this changed two years ago when Joey’s mother discovered a method of communicating called Rapid Prompting Method (RPM). RPM is an educational platform that utilizes a letter board to facilitate education and communication. Having tried dozens of therapies over the years nothing could have prepared Roberta for what was coming.

What was previously impossible became possible when Joey began using a letter board to speak. The flood gates of communication opened (and so had Roberta’s tears) releasing 14 years of ‘bottled-up’ expression, thoughts concealed, fears and dreams for the future.

Through fundraising, the Foundation will have the resources to help people who have autism, in the words of Joey, “Break the Barriers of Autism” and find their own bridge to communicating WHO they are, and WHAT they are capable of doing with their “unique” gifts.

Roberta stated that her relationship with her son, Joey, improved greatly through the regular practice of TM. This shared quiet time or “going within” has helped Joey find  inspiration. Soon after he began practicing TM he started his own blog “Earnest to Learn”. Soon after Joey told his mother that he wanted to start a business or foundation to help others like him to find their voice and maximize their potential. He does not want to be limited by his disorder and wants others to know they can “Break the Barriers of Autism” too. Clearly, Joey is a remarkable young man.

Dr. Stixrud is an eminent clinical neuro-psychologist and an expert in the assessment of children and adolescents with learning, social, and emotional disorders.  He has authored book chapters and articles on the adolescent brain, the effects of stress on learning and emotional development, and the benefits of Transcendental Meditation for students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD.

He is a member of the Adjunct Faculty at the Children’s National Medical Center, AND he is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Behavioral Sciences, and Pediatrics, at the George Washington University School of Medicine.

Dr. Stixrud stated, “The benefits of TM were dramatic among autistic individuals since their experience of the world is intense. Autistic individuals are wired for stress and anxiety. These individuals do not feel safe and often out of control. When they practice TM they find a safe “address” within themselves.”

Dr. Sarina Grosswald is an expert in cognitive learning, focusing on improving stress-related disorders. Her first-of-its-kind research on the effects of the Transcendental Meditation program on children with ADHD and Autism spectrum, received “worldwide” attention.   She has published and lectured extensively in the fields of medicine and education.   Her work has also been featured in:  US News and World Report,  Business Week, Newsweek, International Herald Tribune, Barron’s, ABC News, and PBS.

She stated “TM is great for the developing brain and the prefrontal cortex. TM increases mental flexibility and a willingness to interact with others which leads to a reduction in stress for individual and their family. It helps the autistic individual create a wider world. Two areas of impairment for autistic individuals is their ability to sleep and ability to socialize. These areas improve greatly while practicing TM.”

In the words of Joey Lowenstein, “TM helps you find tranquility within. Stay cool and you can take the heat.”

If you are interested in learning more about Transcendental Meditation and how IT can be used to help you or a family member – or your clients – with Autism Spectrum Disorder, please write to:

AUTISM@DAVIDLYNCHFOUNDATION.ORG.

The post Transcendental Meditation Meets Autism appeared first on Good News!.