The National Autistic Society asked me to write an article for their Your Autism Magazine (Spring 2018) on the Benefits of Yoga for Children on the Autism Spectrum.

Many autistic people experience difficulties with sensory processing; the world at times may seem confusing, overwhelming and one in which they feel disconnected. They may experience a heightened state of anxiety, feel overloaded in their environment and have difficulties organising their body in space to carry out purposeful, skilled and refined motor movements. It is estimated that 90% of autistic people have sensory processing difficulties.

You can read the article on autism and yoga here

Autism and Yoga

Supporting Arousal Levels: Rolling in a yoga mat.

This is a fun activity. Rolling up in a yoga mat provides a little bit of deep pressure which helps organise and regulate the nervous system.

The rotations are also stimulating for the vestibular (balance and spatial orientation) system.

This is an activity supporting arousal levels. Enjoy!

Self Regulation Strategies: Breathing with an expandable ball

A useful exercise to help focus on your breathing, it is also really adaptable off the yoga mat.

 Most children enjoy focusing on breath work and playing with the expandable ball as one of many self regulation strategies.