By Angie Continisio
Certified YogaKids Teacher and 200hr RYT
Owner/operator Studio Kids Butterfly Yoga

When I learned that I would have to teach yoga classes to Special Needs children as part of my YogaKids Certification, I was unnerved. Unnerved because I thought I would have to teach my classes “differently”. After pondering my class session, I realized that we all have special needs of one kind or another. I appreciated the fact that this section of my training would allow me to adapt, grow, and learn, not only about children with special needs but about myself as well.

After teaching my classes and reading numerous books and documented studies regarding yoga and the Special Needs child, it became clear to me that it was my duty, as a certified YogaKids Teacher, to inform parents about the wonderful effects the healing and learning powers of yoga has on children with special needs.

Some of the diagnosis’ or combinations of these diagnosis’ considered as Special Needs for a yoga practice for children are:

ADD/ ADHD
Anxiety Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Cerebral Palsy
Developmental Coordination Disorder (dyspraxia)
Developmentally or Cognitively Delayed
Down Syndrome
Hearing Impairment
Learning Disabilities
Muscular Dystrophy
PDD Pervasive Developmental Disorder
Physical Disabilities
Sensory Integration challenges/and or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Spina Bifida
Visual Impairment

Below are some of the many important elements that are fundamental when working with a Special Needs child:

• Give lots of encouragement at the point of performance for attempting and holding poses.
• Remember, many of these children have low muscle tone (kind of “mushy” to the touch) which can show up in balancing postures, extension poses as well as flexion.  Quality and skill of poses can be affected.
• Core strength in the abdominals and back muscles can be compromised as well. Weakness in these areas may show up during the class in the need to lean on something or compensate by holding the pose differently.
• Verbally set the goal,” we are going to do the butterfly pose…”
• For students with a diagnosis of Aspergers, Autism and ADHD, consistency is important.
• Count while holding a pose to help with regulation.
• Progressive muscle relaxation, tightening and releasing body parts, may help them experiencing the difference between tension and relaxation. This can be beneficial prior to visualization and relaxation.
• Provide a “fidget” (squeeze ball, beanie baby, sealed water bottle with colored sparkles, or a straw, etc…) to hold during the reduced motor portion of the session such as reading or relaxation.
• Props are important. Utilize bean bags, mats, rolled towels, chair, pillows, straps, the wall, therapy ball, blocks, non latex stretchy bands, etc…, as well as own body support.
• Note signs of dysregulation such as flapping, high activity level, withdrawal, loud voice, tears, quick physical movement, avoidance, hitting, covering ears or eyes, excessive touching or not maintaining personal space.
• Use one step commands, and keep language simple e.g.:  such as “place your feet in front of you, now bend your knee, etc…
• Pair kids up because they may be more keen on imitating each other in the pose. Mirroring can be a successful technique.
• Finally, focus on process, not result, enjoy the moment, use your insight, think out of the box, and meet the individual where they are. It’s all about the journey and not the destination.

Poses that are beneficial and for which are included in all yoga practice sequences are:

Cross the mid-line. Crossing the mid-line enhances brain development. An example of this is to sit with your child, having him or her rub one’s hands together. Once the child’s hands get warm, have the child cross hands and touch opposite shoulders. This allows the child to cross the mid-line and make new neurological pathways for further brain development. Motivate your child to do this over and over again in novel ways, such as by crossing over to touch one’s knees, toes and ears.

Use the eyes. As your child grows, he or she looks at things in new ways. Once the child begins to look at books and track words, the child’s depth perception develops. While this occurs, it is crucial for your child to build the muscles behind the eyes. One method of doing this is by moving a toy the child likes in different directions, asking the child to follow the toy with his or her eyes. Another method is snapping your fingers up and down and then right to left, while your child trails the movements. Either way, have your child watch the object move at least ten times in each direction. This helps build the little muscles supporting the child’s eyes and lessens the chances for glasses.

Do core poses. As all of a person’s limbs are extensions from the core of the body, it’s essential to develop the core. Building a strong core enables a child to balance oneself both physically and mentally. Poses that support the core are the dolphin pose and boat pose. Do these and other poses with your children, allowing you each to build your strength and bond.

Sing a song. While singing to a child can help the young yogini accomplish a difficult pose, it can be especially encouraging for children who are late talkers. If for any reason you find your child not communicating, find a book that you know the child enjoys and sing each word in the story. Take the time to sing the words one by one and change your tone, emphasizing that a new word is being sung. Soon your child will be doing poses in utter relaxation, not even realizing a stronger core will result and likely a better grasp of language.

The goal through yoga is not to “fix” these children but to support their development toward balance and harmony. These children are not only working on their flexibility, they are focusing and concentrating and activating neurons in the brain.

***It is imperative that prior to enrolling your child in a Yoga class, that the instructors are certified and/or licensed to teach children with Special Needs.

If you’re interested in Kids Butterfly Yoga’s classes for children with special needs, attend their “Special Needs Workshop” lead by Angie Continisio and Jaime Moar. Together, they will assist parents to discover the many ways that yoga can promote the healthy development of children, ages 4-16.