YOGA FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Yoga is an effective therapeutic modality for children with special needs. Many parents report that their children greatly enjoy their yoga sessions and very often find their children doing the poses on their own, for fun.  For children with more severe developmental issues, the gentle, hands-on approach to stretching and strengthening is helpful to assist children in achieving functional outcomes.

After an initial evaluation, an individualized therapeutic yoga program is created to meet each child’s specific needs. This program includes an integrated series of yoga poses to increase body awareness, strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. Respiratory facilitation and breathing exercises help improve concentration and focus.  Relaxation and guided visualization at the end of the session promotes calm and relaxation.  If appropriate, the family will be given an individualized home program consisting of customized flash cards with detailed instructions on yoga poses, so that the child may practice in between sessions.