AUTHOR(S): Neetu Dutta

ABSTRACT:
Yoga offers a promising complementary therapy for children with special needs by addressing physical, cognitive, emotional, and social challenges holistically. This review explores current research on the benefits of yoga for children with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome. Evidence indicates that yoga enhances motor skills, postural stability, and cognitive flexibility while reducing physical pain and improving emotional regulation. Additionally, group yoga sessions facilitate social interaction, fostering cooperative behaviors in children with ASD and social anxiety. Tailored yoga programs, guided by trained instructors, are critical to ensuring accessibility and effectiveness. While the therapeutic potential of yoga is evident, challenges such as limited research, accessibility barriers, and engagement issues remain. Future efforts should focus on longitudinal studies, technology integration, and policy advocacy to establish yoga as a standard therapeutic tool. By synthesizing evidence-based findings, this review highlights yoga's transformative impact on children with special needs, emphasizing its role in improving their quality of life.

Pages: 32-34  |  365 Views  163 Downloads