Yoga for Special Needs -

Parul Chaturvedi is a certified Teacher to teach yoga to neurodivergent and additional needs children & young adults.

What does a Yoga Therapy session for children with special needs include?

Rainbow Centre introduced a yoga therapy session designed for both students and their caregivers by Parul. It aims to provide holistic support to participants through this therapeutic practice. Photo courtesy of Rainbow Centre

Yoga programme incorporating sensory-friendly activities and appropriate modifications to meet the physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of its students.

Our primary objective is to help children connect with their bodies and begin the session with a positive mindset, fostering self-awareness and a sense of personal achievement.

How regular yoga benefit disabled children or those on the spectrum?

Yes, I have observed numerous benefits of regular yoga practice for these children. Three keys ones are:

Improved motor skills and body awareness, which are crucial for children with disabilities. Regular practices help in refining their coordination and spatial orientation.
Relaxation and stress relief: Yoga exercises, particularly breathing techniques, significantly aid in relaxation and stress management. This helps them better regulate their emotions.
Confidence building. A small group session allows for interaction. Achieving poses together and engaging in group activities boost heir confidence and self-esteem.

Parul used props such as scarves as visual aids in her session at Rainbow Centre. Other props to consider are feathers or even diagrams of trees and mountains to guide the pose. Photo courtesy of Rainbow Centre.

Highlights from our Special Needs Yoga Session at Rainbow centre

Yoga therapy session with Rainbow Centre

Rainbow Centre and I worked closely to design a yoga programme incorporating sensory-friendly activities and appropriate modifications to meet the physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of its students. Before the event, we conducted training sessions for volunteers so they could familiarise themselves with yoga exercises and ensure they were comfortable handling the students. Our first session was a small group of 8 students and their respective caregivers. During the session, I also adjusted the pace and activities based on real-time observation of the responses.

Considerations you kept in mind when planning a yoga session for disabled and neurodivergent children and youths?

It’s important that every participant feel comfortable and included right from the start. The lesson plan is designed to be straightforward. I avoid overly complicated instructions or sequences that could potentially alienate or overwhelm any of the children. My primary objective is to help children connect with their bodies and begin the session with a positive mindset, fostering self-awareness and a sense of personal achievement. Take short mindful breaks throughout the session to maintain the children’s focus and prevent fatigue. These breaks allowed children to rest and prepare mentally and physically for the next activity.

Advice or guidance for parents or carers whose kids are not responding well or don’t seem interested?

When introducing yoga to children with disabilities, it’s crucial to be understanding. Here are some strategies and guidance for parents and carers to help engage these children effectively:

Adjust your expectations: Be patient and flexible with the child’s pace.
Comfortable environment: A familiar and distraction-free space can go a long way
Incorporate familiar elements: Use his/her favorite music or stories in sessions.
Participate alongside the child.
Start with brief sessions and gradually extend

Find out more about here on her website or follow her on her IG account.

For more information about Special Needs Yoga in Singapore & Online, please email parul@blissyogasg.com