Yoga Pilot Project for Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Anecdotal Effects on Behaviour and Self-regulation

Abstract

This article looks at the effects of yoga on behaviour and self-regulation in children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD). This pilot project was inspired by the empirical and anecdotal evidence suggesting that yoga practice, including breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation and movement (asana), may reduce challenging behaviours, change the stress response and increase self-regulation in children with ASD. The objective of this pilot project was to look at the effects of yoga, which incorporates breathing, meditation and movement, on overt and measurable behaviours of students with ASD. In order to examine this relationship, yoga was offered by certified yoga teachers for 5 weeks in small group and in one-on-one sessions at a specialized day-treatment summer camp for children and youth with ASD.