Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors (learn more at Autism Speaks). Autism statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identify around 1 in 68 American children living on the autism spectrum.
While people living with autism spectrum disorder have some similarities, it is important to remember that if you know one person with autism spectrum disorder you know one person with autism spectrum disorder. Celebrating neurodiversity means recognizing that each person with autism is different.
What is Neurodiversity?
- Recognizing and respecting individuality of each person’s unique mind
- Facilitating an accepting environment for children with Autism and other disabilities to interact with peers
- Creating opportunities for typically developing children to develop compassion, learn about disabilities, form friendships, and become role models
Deep Breathing:
- Lowers cortisol levels to decrease stress and anxiety
- Improves self-regulation
- Promotes breath control necessary for language development
Movement:
- Provides sensory integration
- Promotes development of balance, motor coordination, and brain-body connection
Relaxation:
- Calms sensory nervous system
- Promotes improved attention span and ability to focus
- Speech apraxia: teaching kids how to blow bubbles or blow on pinwheels to increase breath control is not only a yoga practice, but also an oral motor activity that helps language development
- Gastrointestinal issues related to food sensitivities: certain asanas help to relieve gas/bloating/stomach pain
- Fine motor difficulties: can be addressed by incorporating movements involving the fingers/hands/manual dexterity, such as pinching stones between the index finger and thumb while in lotus
- Routine-based yoga flow increase attention span and distracts the mind from overwhelming sensory stimuli
