Yoga for Autism and Special Needs
For the neurodiverse, on the spectrum, with different bodies,
for any and all abilities!
About Yoga for Autism and Special Needs
Yoga as a form of therapy is tailored to support the child in the various domains in human development – cognitive, communication, motor skills, and social-emotional.
Appropriate yoga tools are then matched to the child’s developmental and learning ability while working towards specific milestones and goals.
Yoga-based strategies such as asanas (yoga poses / movement), pranayama (yogic breathing), progressive relaxation, and netra vyayama (eye exercises and tracking) among others, are introduced to children in a fun and interactive approach to allow them to feel successful. As they learn through repetition, new challenges are presented along the way to build self-esteem and confidence.
Classes are influenced by the philosophy of Asanas for Autism and Special Needs using somatosensory approach. Many children with sensory integration dysfunction and/or language processing difficulties experience great levels of stress and anxiety.
"Just like driving a car, when all our sensory inputs are working well, we are able to steer the car and apply the right amount of pressure to slow down or accelerate. For children with processing difficulties, it can be quite frustrating not to be able to control and manage how information is received and expressed to navigate and interact with the world."
- Shawnee Thornton-Hardy
"The primary focus of somatosensory-based yoga tools is towards self-regulation, how we are able to regulate our nervous system in order to learn, grow, and interact with the world."
Who is it for?
Yoga may help children with:
(ASD) Autism Spectrum Disorder
Down Syndrome
ADD/ADHD
Prader Willi
Fragile X
Cerebral Palsy
Ataxia and Dyspraxia
Learning Disabilities
Anxiety Disorders
Motor Coordination Difficulties
Behavioral Challenges
Language Processing Disorders
Sensory Processing Difficulties
All children, any and all abilities!
FAQs
Why yoga?
The practice of yoga for kids with diverse abilities supports complex needs using specific strategies to develop mind-body connection through sensory processing from common challenges like:
· anxiety
· difficulty with expressive and receptive language
· difficulty with self-regulation of their arousal states
· delayed fine/gross motor skills
· limited body awareness
· sensory challenges
· irregular sleep patterns
· digestive problems
· difficulty with focus and concentration
Is this an effective form of therapy?
Yoga serves as a healing modality where the practice adapts to the individual's needs and circumstance.
Today, Yoga is recognized as one of the Top (10) Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) in the United States that is evidence-based, recovery-driven, & consumer- and family-driven.
Check out the high evidence-based medical journals found under Evidence-based Journals.
How do I know if this is the right therapy for my child?
Your teacher will send a pre-assessment form and schedule an initial consult with you. You can also sign up for a 30-minute Discovery class to assess if yoga can be an added therapy for your child. Just book a schedule to get started.
Can any yoga teacher handle special needs cases?
There is a specialized training so it is extremely recommended to work with a certified autism and special needs yoga teacher. A certified teacher in this field needs years of training and teaching experience working with diverse needs and conditions to handle any precautions and contraindications while using the right yoga tools and strategies that best suits your child. You'll also need to find a teacher who can work closely with your child's doctor.
Is this a group class or one-on-one?
Even with the same diagnosis, each child will have a unique set of needs and capabilities. The program is designed as a one-one-one class series. This approach is ideal because it gives the teacher the opportunity to get to know and learn about your child over the course of many weeks while being in touch with your doctor and/or therapist where yoga becomes a complementary therapy to the holistic wellness and lifestyle recommendation to patients. A parent or guardian is required to attend the session. Overtime, the ultimate goal is for a child to be able to attend group classes.
How the program works.
YOUR CHILD IS MORE THAN
HIS OR HER LIMITATIONS.
The program or class series is individually focused, and not condition focused.
Your teacher will work with you and your child, taking into consideration your
doctor's medical diagnosis and the challenges in your child's
cognitive, communication, motor skills, and socio-emotional development.
Each child is unique, therefore your program is tailored to your child's needs and home environment.
Your program is shared to your doctor and therapists because we advocate to nurture
a holistic support team working towards a common goal.
The purpose of Yoga for Autism and Special Needs is dedicated to bringing the benefits of yoga to the lives of children of any and all abilities so that they may live happier, healthier, and more peaceful lives for years to come.
Path to Enrollment
Yoga for Autism and Special Needs Services
We are committed to walking this journey with you.
Pre-Assessment & Discovery Class
Fill out the pre-assessment form below along with your doctor's note that includes your child's diagnosis and any special instructions to your teacher including precautions or contraindications. Your teacher will schedule a 30-minute discovery class for you.
Program Creation and Class Series
This considers your child's capabilities and your home environment set-up. For the first few months, it is recommended to practice yoga as often as possible to create a routine for your child. Don't worry, your teacher will explain all these including the milestones for each yoga development stage.
Regular Check-ins
Your teacher will give you an update about your child's progress in our live classes. This is also an opportunity to re-assess the program. Each child is unique so pace and progress may depend on your child's capacity. Your doctor will also be furnished a copy of your child's program and will be updated from time to time.
Your Teacher
Nicolette V. Ereñeta, E-RYT 200, RYT-500, RCYT
Registered Children and Teens Yoga Teacher
Specializing in Diverse Needs and Complex Conditions
1st certified Asanas for Autism and Special Needs Yoga Teacher in the Philippines
and 200-HR Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher for Children and Teens with Complex Needs and Backgrounds in Southeast Asia!
Certifications/Trainings:
September 2016
200-Hour Hatha and Ashtanga Teacher Training (India) Shiva Yoga Peeth, Rishikesh India
February 2018
300-Hour Ashtanga-Vinyasa Teacher Training (Manila) AV108 Yoga School
May 2018
50-Hour Mindfulness Yin Teacher Training (Malaysia) with founder Chris Su
February 2019
Acceptance to BNS Iyengar lineage (Mysore, India)
November 2019
Level 1 Yoga for the Special Child Teacher Training (USA) with founder Sonia Sumar
February 2020
Vipassana Meditation training (Bogor, Indonesia)
September 2020
Level 1 Autism and Special Needs Teacher Training (USA) with founder Shawnee Thornton Hardy
May 2021
Level 2 Autism and Special Needs Teacher Training (USA) with founder Shawnee Thornton Hardy
April 2022
Level 3 Yoga Therapy for Youth (USA) with founder Shawnee Thornton Hardy
200-HR Yoga and Mindfulness for Children and Youth with
Complex Needs (Autism, ADHD, SPD, CP, Pediatric Cancer) with founder Shawnee Thornton Hardy
Opening Hours
Come Visit
Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm
Sat: 10am - 12pm
Sun: Closed
1 hr
200 US dollars
1 hr
40 US dollars
1 hr
28 US dollars