Autism and Yoga Therapy
The characteristics of someone with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
- Disconnection to others: social, emotional and communication skills
- Repetitive behavior and/or speech
- Difficulty with transitions in their day and change in general
- Learning differences
- Preoccupation with sounds, foods, schedules (perseveration)
- Speech difficulties: have difficulty expressing needs, emotions, and thoughts (difficulty with eye contact)
- Very literal. Imagination is difficult for them
- Stimuli are perceived differently than most individuals
- Stiff body and hand postures, may walk on their toes, make repetitive hand movements
- May lash out and get upset at someone who invades their schedule or ways of doing things; This may cause anxiety, fear and stress that could last for hours or days.
- May seem unaware of their own body/identity
- May involve self-injurious behavior
Yoga for ASD individuals: Bringing yoga to an autistic person is a gift in many cases. Let’s explore why.
- The flows can be repetitive, something they feel safe with, yet poses can be added to the flow without discomfort.
- Repeating the poses is reinforcing to them.
- In many cases, they will interact by imitating the pose and do not mind having some assistance.
- It helps them to focus, without perseveration or repetitive behaviors.
- The breathing gives an ASD person a way to deal with their anxiety, fear and stress, which can be used outside of the practice
- The instructor becomes part of their world and therefore, a person of comfort and safety.
- Generally, ASD persons are not self-conscious which is a benefit in yoga.
- It also helps them to get to know their body (learning proprioception) as the instructor talks about stretching certain areas and engaging the muscles in others.
- Yoga can continue after the instructor is gone and become a way to open the body, stretch, breath, and relieve distress.
- When someone has self-injurious behavior, yoga can have a calming effect and give the person another way to deal with their anxiety, stress, fear or frustration.
Yoga with autistic and other special needs children and adults is available on an individual basis, along with coaching the family of the individual.
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