Yoga Sensory Activities and Practices for Autism

Yoga for Autism: Fun and Engaging Sensory Activities for Children with Autism 

Movement is Key 

When dealing with autism, movement is key. It helps children to focus and connect with their environment. Yoga provides a great way for kids to move around and explore new sensations. 

You want to try and avoid overly structured yoga classes, as your child with autism may feel overwhelmed or anxious. Instead, look for classes that are more relaxed and allow for plenty of exploration. 

Here are a few fun and engaging yoga activities to try: 

• The animal poses - Let your child move around like different animals. This is a great way to improve their balance and coordination.
• Let your child move around like different animals. This is a great way to improve their balance and coordination. Water play - Get your child wet and sandy, and let them explore the textures with their hands.
• Get your child wet and sandy, and let them explore the textures with their hands. Snowball fight - This is a great way to improve your child's gross motor skills.

Breathing Exercises 

This is another key component of yoga. Proper breathing helps to regulate the nervous system and improve focus. It can also be calming and soothing for kids with autism. 

Try teaching your child some basic breathing exercises. You can even use a song or rhyme to help them remember the exercises. Here are a few examples: 

• In through the nose, out through the mouth
• Breathe in, hold it for a few seconds, then let it go
• The balloon goes up and down, up and down

Mindfulness Matters 

You want to ensure that your child is also practicing mindfulness during yoga. This means helping them to focus on their breath and the present moment. It can be a great way to help them calm down and relax. 

There are several ways you can help your child practice mindfulness during yoga: 

• Instruct your child to focus on their breath as they move through the poses
• Ask your child to focus on the sensations they are feeling in their body
• Encourage your child to pay attention to the sounds and smells around them
• Challenge your child to stay in the present moment for a certain amount of time

Final Thoughts 

Yoga is a great way to help children with autism improve their sensory processing skills. These activities are fun and engaging, and they can help improve your child's focus and concentration. Try out a few of these activities today. 

Hopefully, this article has been of some help. If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us. 

Read more: 

Tips for Teaching yoga to kids with Autism

How to setup a Yoga Class for Children with Autism

How Yoga can help children with Autism