Introduction:
As the identification of autism is on the rise, now 1 in 8 children according to a researched study by PLOS Medicine Journal. Common challenges children with autism face are difficulty in expressive and receptive communication, sensory integration deficits and social / emotional challenges. Many children of autism may also experience heightened levels of anxiety.
Yoga has become a topic of interest as an intervention which benefits increased strength, balance, coordination and flexibility. It also helps to improve social- emotional skills, language and communication, body awareness, self-regulation, focus and concentration and reduction in anxiety, impulsivity, obsession, aggression and self-stimulatory behaviours.
Step for teaching yoga:
- Teach children simple yoga poses and breathing exercise through games and fun.
- Provide visuals (picture cards) and the child could understand.
- Provide breaks and poses, so the child could increase his/her interest
- Reinforce children to engage more in the activities.