She used theater to change the lives of kids with disabilities!
Woman's World|September 23, 2024
When her adopted son was diagnosed with autism, Elaine Hall used her skills as an acting coach to engage and connect with Neal. Her success led her to create an inclusive theater program to help other kids with disabilities reach their full potential through music, acting and dance
Debra Eckerling
She used theater to change the lives of kids with disabilities!

Elaine Hall sat in her Los Angeles home office, trying to work, but the banging coming from the kitchen kept getting louder. Going to investigate, she found her 3-year-old son, Neal, slamming the cabinet doors, over and over again. Rather than shush him, Elaine ducked behind one of the doors and popped out. “Peekaboo!” she exclaimed. Neal laughed.

Elaine was a successful TV and film acting coach, but the role she longed to have was one of mama. When she wasn’t able to give birth biologically, she adopted Neal from an orphanage in Russia. Soon after, he was diagnosed with non-speaking autism.

Elaine vowed to do everything she could to help her son live a good, independent life. When traditional therapies didn’t work, she decided to tap into her creative talents and instead of trying to make him fit into her world, she joined him in his.

If Neal was spinning in circles, Elaine would reach out for his hands and play Ring Around the Rosie. If he flapped his arms, she would flap with him, and they would pretend to be birds. By engaging with Neal in whatever he was doing, Elaine discovered she was able to forge a connection with him.

Creative therapy

Believing she was on to something, Elaine began reaching out to experts to learn all she could about autism, sharing her experiences with Neal. They encouraged her to continue using play to connect with her son.

Bu hikaye Woman's World dergisinin September 23, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Woman's World dergisinin September 23, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

WOMAN'S WORLD DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Christmas morning marvels
Woman's World

Christmas morning marvels

Delight loved ones with prep-ahead breakfasts that are as delicious as they are easy to whip up

time-read
3 dak  |
December 30, 2024
A Christmas list for love
Woman's World

A Christmas list for love

While volunteering at a charity, Sharee Walker meets a charming 'Santa' with whom sparks fly as they bond over spreading holiday cheer

time-read
3 dak  |
December 30, 2024
Veteran gives Christmas trees a second life!
Woman's World

Veteran gives Christmas trees a second life!

Oscar Morris knows firsthand how disabled vets are hesitant to use a cane, but today more than 1,000 former soldiers get around with his special canes that aid balance and display the story of their service

time-read
2 dak  |
December 30, 2024
"God's love is our greatest gift!"
Woman's World

"God's love is our greatest gift!"

From her breakout role as Winnie Cooper on the hit TV show The Wonder Years to authoring 11 acclaimed math books to being a wife, mother and the star of three holiday films this season, one would think Danica McKellar has success down to a science. But life has dealt her some outliers, like a tough divorce and a fear of failure. Here, how faith and family keep her joy-filled and stress-free during the holidays

time-read
3 dak  |
December 30, 2024
"Help! The holidays are exhausting!"
Woman's World

"Help! The holidays are exhausting!"

Here, simple ways to boost your energy levels physically, mentally and emotionally

time-read
2 dak  |
December 30, 2024
She lost 118 lbs at age 56!
Woman's World

She lost 118 lbs at age 56!

Want to unlock your maximum ability to get lean in 2025? Then find a weight-loss app you like and use it on your phone, tablet or computer. Recent studies show the simple strategy can give you such a huge boost, you'll literally quadruple your results compared to dieting without an app. \"If you want to set yourself up for success, it really is the way to go,\" confirms University of Vermont's Jean Harvey, Ph.D., R.D., who has conducted exciting research on the approach. Meanwhile, California reader Debbie Ramos, 56, says she's living proof of how much apps can help. After struggling on every diet under the sun, \"I tried using an app, and it changed everything,\" she shares. \"I'm down 118 pounds so far.\" Keep reading for Debbie's inspiring story and to find the app that can help you most.

time-read
4 dak  |
December 30, 2024
"I'm free of my chronic anxiety!"
Woman's World

"I'm free of my chronic anxiety!"

After suffering from constant worry that impacted her physical and mental health, Joni Ogle, 52, discovered a natural remedy... and its calming effects soon completely changed her life

time-read
2 dak  |
December 30, 2024
Indulge and feel great!
Woman's World

Indulge and feel great!

It's time to eat, drink and be merry! And these clever strategies will help you enjoy your favorite holiday indulgences without body backlash

time-read
2 dak  |
December 30, 2024
Boost muscle and rev metabolism
Woman's World

Boost muscle and rev metabolism

Muscle strength naturally declines around 3% each year after middle age, according to University of Pittsburgh research. But simple strategies help counteract age-related muscle loss (known as sarcopenia) by building lean muscle. This boosts your metabolism and accelerates fat burning, all while increasing your strength!

time-read
1 min  |
December 30, 2024
Soothe arthritis aches naturally
Woman's World

Soothe arthritis aches naturally

Baking cookies with the grandkids, knitting a scarf for a loved one, wrapping gifts-it's the season for fun holiday activities...that may also cause arthritis to flare up. But you don't have to let sore joints stop you from enjoying the most wonderful time of the year. We reveal the easy ways to soothe arthritis pain naturally

time-read
1 min  |
December 30, 2024