Yoga's Benefits for Children with Autism

    Emerging evidence is showing that yoga may be an effective intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  The Efficacy of the Get Ready to Learn yoga program on children with autism spectrum disorders study gives robust evidence that implementing a yoga program in schools is useful for many children with ASD. 
    This study used a control group to evaluate whether the effect was due to the yoga intervention or other variables.  The study also manualized the program by having students practice yoga together using DVDs of the classes.  This means that each student received exactly the same classes, lending more credibility to this intervention.
    Interestingly, the authors of this study acknowledge Sonia Sumar, the creator of Yoga for the Special Child.  Sonia mentored Anne Buckley-Reen, who created the Get Ready to Learn program.   
    We have only discovered the tip of the iceberg when it comes to yoga's effect on kids with autism.  But the momentum here is exciting!

    Have you seen any interesting yoga studies recently?

---