If you're a yoga teacher who has been asked to lead a class for kids with autism, you may be wondering where to start. It can be daunting to try and adapt traditional yoga poses and sequences for students who might have different abilities or needs.
But with a little creativity, you can make your classes enjoyable and beneficial for all of your students. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for teaching yoga to kids with autism.
Yoga for Kids with Autism: Tips for Teachers
Use Visual Aids and Games
Children with autism may benefit from visual aids and games when learning yoga poses. Try using props such as blocks, straps, or even pictures of animals in different Yoga poses to help students understand the pose better.
You can also use fun games to help kids learn the sequence of a yoga class. For example, you can have students race to put a pose in the correct order or see who can do a pose the longest without taking a break.
Make Poses Modifiable
Many kids with autism may not be able to do traditional yoga poses due to mobility issues or sensory sensitivities. Make sure to modify poses for each individual student, and be prepared to adapt poses on the fly.
If a student becomes overwhelmed or agitated, take a break and try another pose that they may be more comfortable with. Remember that it's important to keep class moving at a pace that is comfortable for all of your students.
Keep Classes Short and Sweet
Many kids with autism have shorter attention spans, so it's best to keep classes short and sweet. Try a shorter yoga sequence or break up the class into smaller segments.
This will help ensure that all students have the opportunity to participate and stay engaged. You can always add on more poses or sequences at a later time if your students are interested in learning more.
Encourage them to participate in breathing exercises
This is a great way to help kids focus and calm down. Many kids with autism find deep breathing exercises help in managing their emotions.
Be Patient and Positive
It's important to be patient with your students, especially if they are new to yoga. Remember that every student is different and will progress at their own pace.
Be positive and upbeat, and let your students know that they are doing a great job. This will help create a positive and supportive learning environment for all of your students.
Allow them to choose preferred poses
You want all of your students to feel comfortable and safe in class, so give them the opportunity to choose their favorite poses. This will help them feel more engaged and motivated to participate.
If you follow these tips, you'll be able to create a yoga class that is fun, engaging, and beneficial for kids with autism. Be sure to experiment and find what works best for your students, and always remember to keep an open mind. The most important thing is that all of your students are having a positive experience while learning yoga. Namaste!
Read more:
How to setup a Yoga class for children with Autism
