Why you can’t afford to not use yoga!
If you've landed here, you're probably searching for ways to help your child thrive, especially if they’re on the autism spectrum or have ADHD.
Well, you're in the right place!
Yoga and mindfulness can be total game-changers for kids with autism and ADHD. Spoiler alert: They’re not just about sitting still and breathing! (see below)
Why Yoga and Mindfulness?
First off, let’s talk about why yoga and mindfulness are so fantastic for everyone—but especially for kids on the spectrum or with ADHD.
1. Reducing Hyperactivity and Finding Calm
Life can be overwhelming for kids with autism or ADHD.
Sensory overload, racing thoughts, and feeling like their brain is a bit like a fireworks show 24/7 is a lot to handle. Yoga offers a peaceful space where slow, deliberate movements and deep breathing work wonders in calming the nervous system. Regular yoga practice can reduce hyperactive behaviours, leading to better self-control.
It’s like giving their brain a cosy blanket to snuggle into when things get too intense.
2. Boosting Focus and Attention
Studies show that yoga & mindfulness helps improve focus and attention in children with ADHD teaching them how to gently bring their attention back to the present moment. Whether it’s focusing on how their breath feels or balancing in a tree pose, these practices help to child to notice sensations, embody their experience and to strengthen the ‘focus muscle’ in their brain.
The combination of improved focus, emotional regulation, and cognitive function through improved information processing can lead to better performance in school.
3. Building Emotional Awareness, Regulation and Connection
For kids on the autism spectrum, understanding and expressing emotions can be tricky. Mindfulness practices, like paying attention to how they feel in the moment without judgment, help kids recognise their emotions as they arise and give them the tools to say, “I’m feeling overwhelmed right now,” rather than reacting impulsively. And an emphasis on self-compassion teaches them to be kind to themselves when emotions run high too.
Some studies suggest that individuals with ASD may have reduced activity in the Mirror Neuron System which are associated with empathy and understanding others' emotions. The mirroring aspect of yoga, where children observe and imitate poses, may help stimulate mirror neurons.
4. Improving Motor Skills and Body Awareness
Many kids with autism and ADHD have challenges with motor skills and body awareness. Yoga is like a fun workout that helps with balance, coordination, and overall strength. It’s not about perfect poses; it’s about moving in ways that feel good and help them connect with their bodies.
Plus, the more they practise, the more confident they become in their physical abilities—whether it’s nailing a tricky pose or just standing tall and proud!
It’s Not Just About Sitting Still and Breathing!
On the Special Yoga and Mindfulness for Autism and ADHD course starting on 8th October you can access these benefits by learning the yoga postures, breathing and mindfulness referred to above. In addition you’ll learn energy practices, massage techniques, using sound and singing and more - all of which add to your tool box.
There has been growing interest in the potential benefits of yoga for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Below are summaries and references of some notable research papers on this topic:
1. "Effect of Yoga on Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)"
Authors: Koenig, K. P., Buckley-Reen, A., Garg, S.
Journal: American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2012.
Summary: This study examined the effects of a yoga intervention on children with ASD. The findings suggest that yoga can help improve self-regulation and reduce problem behaviors in children with autism. The study also reported improvements in social responsiveness and communication skills. Reference: Koenig et al., 2012
2. "Yoga as a Complementary Therapy for Children and Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder"
Authors: Hariprasad, V. R., Arasappa, R., Varambally, S., Thirthalli, J., & Gangadhar, B. N.
Journal: Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 2013.
Summary: This paper explores the impact of yoga on ADHD symptoms. The results showed that regular yoga practice led to significant improvements in attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity among children and adolescents with ADHD. Reference: Hariprasad et al., 2013
3. "Efficacy of Yoga and Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Attention and Behavior in Children with ADHD"
Authors: Jensen, P. S., Kenny, D. T.
Journal: Journal of Child and Family Studies, 2015.
Summary: This study reviewed multiple yoga and mindfulness-based interventions for children with ADHD. The analysis indicated that these practices are effective in reducing ADHD symptoms and improving cognitive performance and emotional regulation.
Reference: Jensen & Kenny, 2015
4. "Yoga for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review"
Authors: Radhakrishna, S.
Journal: Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2010.
Summary: This review evaluated various studies on the application of yoga for children with ASD. It concluded that yoga is beneficial in enhancing motor skills, social communication, and behavioural control in children with autism.
Reference: Radhakrishna, 2010
5. "Benefits of Yoga for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review of the Evidence"
Authors: Chacko, A., Kofler, M., & Jarrett, M.
Journal: Journal of Attention Disorders, 2013.
Summary: This systematic review compiled data from various studies on yoga's effects on ADHD symptoms. The findings suggest that yoga can be a useful complementary therapy to traditional treatments, helping to reduce symptoms like inattention and hyperactivity. It also found that parenting children and young people with ADHD can be very stressful, and targeting parental mental health problems with appropriate additional service provisions may enhance the effects of behavioural interventions
Reference: Chacko et al., 2013
6. "Yoga Therapy as an Adjunctive Treatment for Children with ADHD: A Randomized Controlled Trial"
Authors: Haffner, J., Roos, J., Goldstein, N., & Parzer, P.
Journal: Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2006.
Summary: This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of yoga therapy on children with ADHD. The study concluded that yoga significantly improved attention span and behavior compared to a control group receiving traditional treatment. Reference: Haffner et al., 2006
7. "Yoga and Mindfulness Interventions in Schools: A Systematic Review and Research Synthesis"
Authors: Khalsa, S. B. S., Hickey-Schultz, L., Cohen, D., Steiner, N., & Cope, S.
Journal: Review of Educational Research, 2012.
Summary: Although broader in scope, this review includes discussions on the effects of yoga and mindfulness on children with ADHD and ASD in school settings. The review supports the integration of these practices in schools to improve behavioral and emotional outcomes. Reference: Khalsa et al., 2012
These papers offer a solid foundation for understanding the potential benefits of yoga for individuals with ASD and ADHD. They highlight improvements in areas like self-regulation, attention, social interaction, and emotional control.
