Yoga Therapy for Disabled Children: Tips and Advice from a Teacher
Can disabled children benefit from yoga? How can children with autism also enjoy yoga and improve their well-being in the process? How do parents and caregivers play a part in facilitating?
Children and teen yoga teacher, Parul Chaturvedi, tells us it’s more important to foster a self-awareness of their bodies for these children before introducing yoga poses gently.
The founder of Bliss Yoga who received a certification for teaching yoga to neurodivergent and additional needs children collaborated with Rainbow Centre for a pilot yoga therapy with its students. She shares more about this and her advice for introducing yoga for parents, care-givers and schools alike.
Could you tell us more about the yoga therapy session with Rainbow Centre?
Rainbow Centre and I worked closely to design a yoga programme incorporating sensory-friendly activities and appropriate modifications to meet the physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of its students. Before the event, we conducted training sessions for volunteers so they could familiarise themselves with yoga exercises and ensure they were comfortable handling the students. Our first session was a small group of 8 students and their respective caregivers. During the session, I also adjusted the pace and activities based on real-time observation of the responses.
What were some of the considerations you kept in mind when planning a yoga session for disabled and neurodivergent children and youths?
It’s important that every participant feel comfortable and included right from the start. The lesson plan is designed to be straightforward. I avoid overly complicated instructions or sequences that could potentially alienate or overwhelm any of the children. My primary objective is to help children connect with their bodies and begin the session with a positive mindset, fostering self-awareness and a sense of personal achievement. Take short mindful breaks throughout the session to maintain the children’s focus and prevent fatigue. These breaks allowed children to rest and prepare mentally and physically for the next activity.
Rainbow Centre introduced a yoga therapy session designed for both students and their caregivers by Parul. It aims to provide holistic support to participants through this therapeutic practice. Photo courtesy of Rainbow Centre
As a yoga teacher, have you seen how regular yoga may benefit disabled children or those on the spectrum?
Yes, I have observed numerous benefits of regular yoga practice for these children. Three keys ones are:
Improved motor skills and body awareness, which are crucial for children with disabilities. Regular practices help in refining their coordination and spatial orientation.
Relaxation and stress relief: Yoga exercises, particularly breathing techniques, significantly aid in relaxation and stress management. This helps them better regulate their emotions.
Confidence building. A small group session allows for interaction. Achieving poses together and engaging in group activities boost heir confidence and self-esteem.
Smiles and encouragement help children settle in and feel more comfortable trying yoga. Photo courtesy of Rainbow Centre
What are some simple poses and suggestions for parents and carers who'd like to introduce yoga to these kids? Are there modifications/steps they need to ensure?
Introducing yoga to children with special needs can be a rewarding experience for both parents and carers. Here are some simple yoga poses and activities along with important modifications for a safe and enjoyable practice:
Settling in with smiles and high-fives
This stablishes a welcoming atmosphere and promotes social interaction. Do ensure your child is comfortable with physical contact for an encouraging hug or a high five; adapt with waves or verbal greetings if necessary.
Squeezing and tapping for body awareness:
Besides releasing tension through this calming movement, it also helps build body awareness. Squeeze different body parts gently with your hands. Tap lightly to connect with the body.
Five finger breathing:
This is a simple and effective way to focus and calm the mind. Hold one hand up, spread the fingers, and use the index finger of the other hand to trace up and down each finger slowly. Inhale as you trace up and exhale as you trace down, focusing on each breath.
Yoga poses that are suitable include:
i) Shoulder Rolls
ii) Neck Rolls
iii) Sitting Straight and Side Stretch (both sides)
iv) Butterfly Pose
v) Hug Yours with Legs Together in Sitting Position (encourages self-comfort)
Modifications I’d suggest are keeping the area free of hazards and comfortably quiet, adjusting activities based on each child’s comfort and engagement, using visual aids for clarity and providing positive reinforcement to enhance the experience.
Parul used props such as scarves as visual aids in her session at Rainbow Centre. Other props to consider are feathers or even diagrams of trees and mountains to guide the pose. Photo courtesy of Rainbow Centre.
We know that it takes time and a positive attitude when introducing a new activity to kids in general. Patience aside, what is your advice or guidance for parents or carers whose kids are not responding well or don’t seem interested?
When introducing yoga to children with disabilities, it's crucial to be understanding. Here are some strategies and guidance for parents and carers to help engage these children effectively:
Adjust your expectations: Be patient and flexible with the child’s pace.
Comfortable environment: A familiar and distraction-free space can go a long way
Incorporate familiar elements: Use his/her favorite music or stories in sessions.
Participate alongside the child.
Start with brief sessions and gradually extend
Find out more about Parul here on her website or follow her on her IG account.
For more info about Rainbow Centre and its mission to enhance the quality of life of persons with disabilities and their families through practical education, meaningful support and effective training and partnerships, click here.
Chalk and Chakras is proud to support Parul and Rainbow Centre in its efforts to introduce yoga and other physical exercises for its students through a small donation of our mats.