Yoga as a form of exercise can be used in children with ASD by addressing their physical and sensory issues. The practice of yoga improves muscle strength, tone and helps children to become aware of their placement of arms, legs and feet in comparison to the rest of their body.
The additional physical strength also helps to improve coordination. Pranayama (breathing technique), Asana (postures), Bandhas and Mudras (relaxation and meditation) promote physiological and psychological processes which can induce a calm state of mind. Yoga soothes the nervous system, the poses of flowing movements that allow energy to be released through the movements of the yoga the overburdened sensory system is calmed and pent-up energy is released. By practicing yoga, the autistic person gets a break from his or her usual experience of a sensory overloaded body. Practicing yoga may help a child feel relaxed and able to concentrate better on learning social skills.
Yoga can help to decrease anxiety, releasing energy and calming down their burdened system. Yoga can have a positive effect on Central Nervous System like improving the wave frequencies, glucose metabolism, neurotransmitter activity and the autonomic nervous system all of which are affected in disruptive behaviour. It can prove to be a useful tool for children with Autism and requires a long term practice. Yoga postures that may help in autism include Trikonasan, Veerbhadrasan, Parvatasana, Sukhasan, Shavasana, Makrasana.
Alternate Nostril Breathing (Anuloma Viloma) – is easy to use and employ at any time. This exercise affects your autonomic nervous system (the one we have no conscious control over). The mind is being used directly to regulate the breath, allowing the body to learn to self-regulate. Being centred has to do with balancing the energy on the left and right sides of the body, an important part of self-healing. Breathing Exercise can also be very helpful.
Autism Anxiety and Yoga –
Autistic children sensory experiences are different from other people. Their response is generally stuck in repetitive flight, fight or freeze modes. This results in blood getting diverted from the digestive system to the skeletal system. Because of this movement leads to disrupted digestion, shallow breathing and increased heart rate. This causes anxiety in them.
Yoga for Autistic Children – At the Ayurdhama Ayurveda we teach them asana, pranayama and meditation which are simple to follow. We teach pranayama and other relaxation techniques like Shavasana, Nisphanda bhava. Mindfulness in doing Yoga actions and incorporating breath, it is a perfect way to create compassionate and more self-aware children and caretakers who accompany them. All these techniques help to calm them down.
Yoga Asana (Postures and exercises) – Yoga postures taught improve awareness, motor skills and flexibility. Children enjoy yoga with nature stories. Tree pose, garden pose, cobra pose, downward dog pose etc. make yoga asanas fun for children.
Pranayamas (Breath regulation) – Pranayamas help to regulate breath and calm emotions. Children with hyperactive movements respond beautifully to rhythmic breathing.
Meditation and relaxation– These yoga techniques help to improve children’s attention span and ability to sit still. Guided meditation helps them to free their mind of clutter. Music and Songs with affirmation help them to stay positive. Kriya like Trataka improves the eye muscle and function.