5 yoga poses that are effective for children on the autism spectrum

Yoga is a great form of exercise for everyone, adults and kids. It helps prevent or reduce the risk of various diseases and improves health and well-being.

There are reports that yoga can also assist children with autism, which is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects communication and behaviour.

Autism is a lifelong disorder. There is currently no specific standard treatment. Treatments and services, including therapy, can help improve a person’s symptoms and ability to function. Research shows that yoga can be of great benefit to children with autism. It helps by lowering anxiety, improving focus and concentration, improving social connectedness and body awareness as well as bring about a positive sense of self.

Here are five yoga poses that are good for children with autism:

• Tree Pose or Vrikshasana – Helps develop concentration and improves balance. Also strengthens the ankles, calves, and thighs.
• Warrior Pose or Virabhadrasana – Increases focus, balance and improves concentration. It stretches the chest, lungs, shoulders, neck and belly.
• Lion’s Breath or Simha Pranayama – Stretches muscles in the face, relieves tension and tightness while improving circulation. It also helps to ease the mind and boost confidence.
• Downward Facing Dog Pose or Adho Mukha Svanasana – Stretches the shoulders, hamstrings, calves, arches, and hands. It strengthens the arms and legs too. The pose also helps to calm the brain and relieve stress.
• Cat/Cow Pose or Marjaryasana/Bitilasana – Massages the internal organs and spine. Also increases the flexibility of the neck and shoulder.

While yoga helps people of all ages, do practice under the guidance of an expert.

ALSO READ: Dietary changes can help improve lives of people with autism in a big way, says study

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