Story of Elizabeth: A Child Born Without Part of Her Brain
Anat Baniel’s introduction to children with special needs began when she met a baby named Elizabeth in September of 1980. During this time, Anat was working with her teacher and mentor Dr. Moshé Feldenkrais.
“Elizabeth has been a decisive influence in my career. Over and over again I witnessed the power of her brain to change in the face of seemingly insurmountable limitations and I realized that if it is possible for one person, it is possible for others. Through a gradual process, over many years, I have defined the conditions the brain requires for powerful brain change—what I call the 9 Essentials. I evolved what I learned from Dr. Feldenkrais and my own experience into a coherent approach that I now call Anat Baniel Method NeuroMovement.”
View the video clip from a TV series called Healing Quest that featured Elizabeth’s progress over many years.
Elizabeth was diagnosed with global brain damage and was given a very grim prognosis from medical doctors. It was later determined that Elizabeth was born without a third of her cerebellum.
She defied all predictions. Elizabeth went on to walk, talk, and go to college, receiving two Masters Degrees. She also danced at her wedding!
