Yoga For Everyone: Special Needs Yoga

I believe that yoga is meant for everybody and doesn’t discriminate against who it can help. There is scientific proof that moving your body improves neurological development and quality of life, and if anyone deserves that it’s children with special needs. This past summer I taught yoga at a local Tampa special-needs summer camp, and it was a very full circle moment for me as for when I was growing up I would volunteer at my brother and cousins special needs summer camp (my brother has down syndrome and my cousin has autism). So having the opportunity to teach yoga at one now over 10 years later is very special. Through my own experiences I know firsthand how important movement is to the quality of a person's life and of their brain. It’s just getting them to move which can be the hard part. 

Throughout the summer I would change between three separate groups of kids ranging from 3 to 8 years old. I would be with them for a short amount of time but that’s all the time you need to get them to do basic postures and breathing! We focus on animal like postures to get them excited and engaged, and then focus on breathing deeply through our bellies like balloons and blowing out wind like on flowers. To be able to connect with them on a level they can resonate with helps them become a part of the class's experience and receive the benefits from breathing techniques and yoga. It takes a certain amount of patience and animation to be able to ensure a successful class, but even just being able to get them to smile and move is all that’s needed!

I am extremely humbled and grateful to have been able to help improve the lives of these adorable kids through yoga and movement this past summer. Something that’s changed my life and I know can change theirs. I highly recommend anyone with children with or without special needs to engage with them through yoga and calming breathing techniques. It helps them build emotional stability and adaptability, for when they’re young and old. 

Interested in engaging your child through movement? Schedule a 1:1 private session with me! Contact me here.