Yoga for Autistics and People with Special Needs

Yoga for Autistics and People with Special Needs

According to the statistics, about 1 percent of the global population belongs to the Autistic and Special Needs segment. The Autism and Special Needs Male to Female ratio is around 4:3:1. Owing to its progressive statistics which increases every year, the condition is a matter of immense worry and consideration. Scientifically, the cause of these disorders is mainly associated with genetic factors, while the other reasons are not entirely known yet. So far so, we can only summarize that Autism is a birth-disorder related to an inappropriate development of the brain.

Common Tendencies Displayed by Autistic and Special Needs

•  Poor motor skills and hand-eye coordination

•  Erratic mood, aggression, anxiety

•  Incapability to focus or pay attention that they even seem deaf

•  Inappropriate Social and Communication Skills

•  Poor Cognitive Skills

•  Repetitive Deportment such as playing the same games over and over, lining up the same objects, eating the same food, going the same route, resistance to change, etc.

•  Display unusual fears

•  Inability to express or understand emotions and feelings

•  Poor speech

•  Hyperactivity and Hypersensitivity

•  Inability to sense danger

•  Display of unusual physical movements such as flapping the hands, spinning in circles, etc.

Yoga for Autistics and People with Special Needs

Yoga has answers to every question and a solution to every problem – this is neither an undermining reality not an exaggerated statement – this is pure truth. Yoga, being the ancient science of healing and reform proposes a multitude of remedies to solutions, specific to various prevailing conditions since its origin. The science has proven its mettle in enhancing the lives of people with ASD and hence, has been introduced at various hospitals, schools, and care centers all over the globe. Discover how incorporating a regular practice of yoga for people with autism and children with special needs can be so therapeutic:

Improves Kinetic and Motor Intelligence

People and kids suffering from ASD find it difficult to develop their motor skills while their hand-eye coordination also gets impacted by the disorder. Remaining stable in a position for long, stammering are some of the other issues faced by them. A regular practice of yoga works towards improving muscle tone, develops stability in the body and mind, along with improving a sense of self-awareness and coordination skills.

Sharpens Communication and Social Skills

Autistic and Special Needs people are often blocked out by the society as incompetent and non-amicable. This often leads to an impaired communication and social skills in them. Yoga helps foster self-confidence through various self-soothing techniques. This helps them gain confidence from within. They are able to find equilibrium between themselves and rest of the world which contributes to an improvisation in their interaction with the others.

Increases Self-Awareness and Coping Capacity

With the aid of Yoga and Pranayama techniques, they learn to regulate their emotions better; they become more self-aware and are able to cope with unseemly situations in a controlled manner without feeling anxious, aggressive, or impulsive. They learn to adapt to their body and their mind which leads to a healthier expression and outlook towards others.

Stimulates the Emotions

The science of yoga is physical, mental, and spiritual. It is highly beneficial in stimulating the emotional receptiveness in Autistic and Special Needs Children owing to which they are able to express their emotions with much more clarity and definition. It also helps them intercept other’s expressions in a much better manner.

Integrates the Sensory Organs

Medically, kids and adults with ASD have a hyper-sensitive nervous system which is easily triggered by bright light, shrill noise, smells, and taste. Yoga practice provides a soothing environment to them which helps them maintain an inner-calm and a controlled reaction.

Helps with Consistency

Yoga for Autistics and People with Special Needs

Yoga classes for autistics and people with special needs are ideally conducted within a set pattern and schedule with very slow and gradual modifications. Autistic people are quite resistant to change. With a preset practice of healing yoga asanas, Pranayama exercises, they are able to gain immense benefits while accepting the practice. This also helps them maintain a consistency and order in their behavior.

With a regular yoga regimen and some TLC, autistic and special needs people can lead a much healthier and a comfortable, socially-pliant life.

Author Bio: Manmohan Singh is a passionate Yogi, Yoga Teacher and a Traveller in India. He provides yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, India. He loves writing and reading the books related to yoga, health, nature and the Himalayas. For more information about him visit his website.

Website: www.rishikulyogshala.org