You don't have to be the parent of a special needs child to understand that these youngsters need a unique learning environment geared toward their disabilities. Those who live with autism, attention-deficit disorder, down syndrome and other social and learning disabilities often have great trouble dealing with change, maintaining focus, sitting still and interacting with others. There's a multitude of ways to help these young ones learn to live with their conditions, from occupational therapy to learning disability educational programs, and yoga poses may also prove beneficial for special needs children.
The effect of yoga poses on those with special needs has been a topic of growing interest over the years. According to an April 2010 study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, researchers looked into the effectiveness of yoga as a form of therapy for kids suffering from autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Those with ASD tend to show symptoms such as notably abnormal development in communication and social interaction. The study involved a low number of participants (six ASD patients), but the results were significantly consistent: After two years of yoga practice, participants showed great improvement in at-home behavior, familial relationships and ability to focus.
The researchers postulated that the guided imitation that students engage as they learn to replicate the instructors' postures stimulates neuron activation that works to improve the children's sense of self. It's no surprise, considering that people of all ages and capabilities have used the deep breathing exercises, gentle stretches and mindful meditation to enhance the mind-body connection and reach a place of calm and tranquility.