Yoga is gaining popularity as a method of holistic healing. People who do yoga report relief from chronic pain, high levels of energy and improved overall balance in the body. Reports are being published that claim children with autism can benefit from yoga therapy because yoga addresses both the physical and emotional symptoms of the disorder.
What is Autism?
According to Autism Speaks, autism includes a group of complex developmental brain disorders. There are many different levels of severity of the disorder and combinations of symptoms. The symptoms include, but are not limited to, an impairment in social interaction, delay or total lack of spoken language, and repetitive motions and behaviors. Children with autism also may not engage in make-believe play or have any interest in exploring their environment. The causes of autism remain unknown; however, it is estimated that one in every 110 children are diagnosed with autism with that rate increasing 10 to 17 percent annually, Autism Speaks reports.
Integrated Movement Therapy
A "Yoga Journal" report says that Integrated Movement Therapy, or IMT, was discovered by Molly Kenny, a speech-language pathologist and an Ashtanga Yoga instructor. She found that by combining touch or movement with verbal exercises, her patients were more spontaneous in their speech and their mood improved. IMT combines speech-language exercises, self-esteem building, self-calming practices, and yoga postures. These characteristics are often a common thread between the different types of autism disorders. "I have observed that most autistic children have significantly impaired social skills, difficulty staying calm and limited body awareness," Kenny told the magazine. She continues by saying working on a child's conventional behavioral, mental, and verbal behavior through yoga movements encourages his physical, emotional and social growth.
Other Benefits
Registered dietitian Denise Reynolds of EMaxHealth.com says that yoga can help children with autism create a bond with their teacher. This helps to establish mutual trust and friendship, something most autistic children struggle with. Also, a combination of poses and deep-breathing techniques can promote relaxation and social acceptance. Because children with autism usually better relate to objects than people, the poses like Mountain, Down Dog or Tree engage the children.
Suggestions
Create visual stimulation for children with autism. YogaInMySchool.com suggests lining up stuffed animals or pictures of animals in front of the room and have the students do the pose for each one. Provide music, drumming, chanting or singing to help keep them focused and engage the emotional center of the brain. Also, take things very slowly. Introduce poses one at a time and work with your students' comfort levels.
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