What is Yoga for Special Needs?
Yoga for children with special needs includes the classical yoga practices of movement, breathing, deep relaxation combined with sound, rhythm, massage and sensory integration techniques.
The children are absolutely able to be themselves. The session is for them. With no expectations. Meeting each individual where they are at.
Everyone is special. Regardless of abilities, appearance, culture, gender, race or the assumptions society has placed on us.
Yoga sessions focus on the following areas:
- Breathing practices
- Physical postures
- Deep pressure massage
- Sound therapy
- Mindfulness
- Relaxation
Having completed training with Special Needs Yoga my understanding is that we can help take children out of their stressed state and help them move into a relaxed state that creates the optimum condition and possibility for positive change. Simply starting by meeting every child with a pure intention to create a practice that encourages them to reach their fullest potential and celebrating the strength within each child we work from there.
Movement Based Learning techniques are incorporated into the yoga sessions with the children. Movement-based learning has come to be known in the neurobiological field as any brain-based learning that stimulates the growth of neural pathways through movement of the body.
Through observation of postural and behavioral cues develop a movement program that will enhance a more integrated way of learning. This will allow for the child to accomplish his goals in life with greater ease – the goal may be walking, talking, self-feeding, reading with ease, organizing classroom tasks, relating to peers or learning to self-regulate behaviors.
I offer yoga for people with a variety of additional needs and vulnerabilities, including
- Autism
- ADHD
- Cerebral Palsy
- Down’s Syndrome
- Learning disability/ difficulties
- PMLD
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sensory Motor Disorders
- Sensory Processing Disorder
- Other mental health concerns
I have been awarded the SCOPE Inclusive Activities Award which helps me to follow best practice in every aspect of my services and gives teachers, parents and carers the confidence they need when choosing activities for their children.
Where can you access these sessions?
I offer 1:1 sessions as well as family sessions in studios or possibly at your home.
- Wednesdays 1-6pm in Leeds
- Thurs 7-8pm in Leeds
- Fridays 11-1pm in Saltaire
I also offer sessions for caregivers so you can learn self regulation techniques that you can then share with your child. No yoga experience is required and every session is fully guided. You can just turn up as you are.
You can book now for our Accessible Yoga Sessions for Parents/Carers of children with Disabilities or Additional Needs – mental, emotional, behavioural, educational and/or physical.
Wednesdays 11:15am – 12:15pm at Body Mind Agency, Chapel Allerton. Term bookings with drop ins also available.
These sessions include movement, breathing practices and relaxation as well as practical tips, focusing on regulation, grounding and resetting. No yoga experience is needed and no diagnosis for your child is needed either.
