Childcare and You

Childcare and You

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Yoga for Children with Autism



Autism is a neurological disorder that can affect children in varying degrees. Yoga will be extremely beneficial for children with autism because it deals with the physical and mental aspects of this disorder.

Delayed motor skills, poor muscle tone, impaired sensory skills and hand-eye co-ordination, violent mood swings and manic depression in this disorder result in low self esteem and lack of self confidence. Yoga is an ideal and enjoyable program that will help improve your child’s muscle tone, posture, strength, balance and body awareness.

The breathing exercises and guided postures will develop your child’s fine motor skills as they will attune the entire body, hands, fingers, feet and his toes. Yoga calms the nervous system and provides an outlet for pent-up energy, alleviating your child’s sensitivity to noise, light, smell, taste and texture.

Yoga is great in combating stress, anxiety, disorientation and unpredictable moods swings usually found in children with autism. Simple yoga poses coupled with the right breathing exercises will activate the brain center and improve cognitive disorder and ability to focus. Yoga combined with music is a great tool to promote interest and engage the children in dancing, singing, chanting and stimulating the neuro emotional side of the brain.

Children with autism relate more to objects than people. Simple yoga poses of a tree, animal or a mountain could be taught as slowly as their comfort levels will allow. Guided visualization of animals like dog or a cat will improve communication and social skills among non-verbal children.  

As your child continues and progresses in his yoga routine, his nervous system gets strengthened, thereby increasing his body awareness, concentration and sensory skills. He will be filled with a sense of calm acceptance and relaxation.





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