Yoga: New Frontiers in Dealing with Autism
Center for Social Change will soon be introducing Yoga as a form of therapy in order to implement a holistic and integrated learning program for children with Autism. The management of CSC has conducted substantial research and has had a series of discussions with Yoga masters to understand this unique form of therapy which goes back thousands of years. CSC with the help of Yoga masters are in the process of formulating a Yoga program designed for individuals rather than fit the individual into the program.Autism is a developmental disability that attacks the ability of the child to move, communicate, think, and feel normally. Knowing these would enable parents as well as other people involved in teaching the child with the right guidelines on the proper way on how to educate autistic child. Additionally as Autism is a spectrum disorder, various issues are prevalent which complicate the teaching process.
Autistic children need to be guided with how they behave to themselves and to other people. This is because they are especially passive or have developed destructive or excessive behaviors. If before, the approach to change this behavior is by punishment, today, the approach given is by positive behavior support. This approach treats the children with dignity and respect that would not only improve their self-worth but also improve their behavior dramatically without using cruelty. Special children need affection and care. This approach can answer these needs.
Another approach of meeting Autism head on is exposing children with ASD to sensory stimulation in a therapeutic environment. However, one of the most effective yet not that prevalent is Yoga Yoga poses and breathing techniques could prove to be very helpful interventions for increasing the quality of life for children and adolescents with ASD’s Experts, researchers and Yoga masters are confident that children may particularly benefit from yoga in that heightened anxiety, poor motor coordination and strength and weak self-regulation, three areas in which most persons with autistic spectrum disorders struggle and for which there are few other solutions
“I have been teaching yoga to children and teenagers with ASD for 9 years and have seen some remarkable changes in terms of behavior and motivation,” says Michael Chisick of the Yoga for School based in the United Kingdom. When I teach in special needs schools I teach whole class groups which can vary from four children to fifteen rather then one to one. This is because part of my intended learning outcomes or goals is to nurture social and communication skills, which could include waiting, taking turns, working in twos /threes, listening and working as part of the group. Also groups are better for the games approach I often use.”
Many Yoga masters agree that Yoga can help them learn to focus better and help them learn to better deal with anxiety. Getting the attention of children with ASD, according to Chisick is a “multi million dollar question.” I make sure the lessons are highly interactive, challenging, highly structured, achievable and fun. I work very visually using symbols to represent postures or activities. Above all I work with the class teachers and teaching assistants who participate fully,” mentions Chisick.
Apart from the general improvements in balance, co-ordination and flexibility Chisick observed that children with ASD showed remarkable improvements in confidence because children found Yoga postures achievable and fun and therefore motivated to join in.
The Sonia Sumar method of teaching Yoga to children with ASD emphasizes bonding between the pupil and the teacher. As student and teacher gradually develop a foundation of mutual trust and friendship, the Yoga teacher can introduce some of the Yoga poses (asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayama) that will help to bring the autistic child out of his or her shell and into the world of social interaction. After the student becomes familiar with these introductory poses, the Yoga teacher may progressively add more asanas to the routine, as well as deep relaxation. The combination of asanas, pranayama and deep relaxation will strengthen the child’s nervous system, increase overall health and facilitate the development of body awareness and concentration. By establishing optimal physiological and psychological integrity, Yoga therapy helps autistic children gain new motor, communication and social skills.
The end result is an overall improvement in their quality of life.