Yoga for children with challenges provides them with a safe space to be themselves and grow their confidence as well as attune with their inner being. It forms a gentle, creative space in which we can teach self-love and non-judgement. It is a place for children to fall into their heart space and move out of ego (where they often feel judged, different and that they don’t fit it). It is here that they can learn to love themselves, as a whole being, despite their challenges.

Therapeutic yoga offers a multi-sensory approach to the whole child, allowing them to develop themselves physically, emotionally, spiritually, energetically, socially, and mentally. It is ideal for visual learners, i.e. those with Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder, as the teacher’s body is used as a visual tool.

Research has shown that yoga programs can positively impact on maladaptive behaviours and thereby improve classroom functioning and learning. It is shown to improve attention and concentration, impulse control, strength and motor coordination as well as improve social skills. The benefits of yoga also include reducing anxiety, managing stress, and improving resilience in children.

Yoga will have a different impact depending on the specific needs of the child. This may range from improving posture and breathing, to developing body awareness and self-esteem. Individualised benefits are discussed in further detail in later sections.

Yoga offers these magnificent yet different children to move from victims of circumstance to masters of their own destiny by accessing their all-powerful and mighty inner warrior. This yoga class teaches into the spirit of the child no matter their challenge. They learn to access their higher self which is perfect, abundant and holds unlimited and untapped potential.

The practice of yoga, which includes asana, mindfulness, heartfulness, breathing, meditation and savasana, are as follows:

• The ability to self-regulate and change state
• The ability to move into the heart centre
• The ability to become mindful
• The ability to find glimmers of joy
• Forming a relationship with self
• Building self-esteem and self-worth
• Social interaction through play
• Soothing of the nervous system
• Speech and language development
• Physical benefits such as strength, flexibility and balance
• Mental benefits such as focus and concentration
• Emotional benefits such as being calm, centred, grounded, free and open

Therapeutic benefits such as sensory integration, proprioceptive and vestibular input, bilateral coordination, postural control, and motor planning