Yoga is becoming one of the newest techniques to help an autistic child develop his or her cognitive and motor skills, along with fostering self-confidence and respect.  The classic definition of an autistic child would be having problems interacting socially and verbally, as well as having limited activities and interests.  A yoga class is a calm place for an autistic child to feel safe in.  With the structure of a yoga class, an autistic child starts to develop his or her coordination and learns how to focus. 

I had the privilege of teaching an autistic child named Samson.  Over the six weeks of class and additional private sessions, I noticed that his motor skills were changing.  But the big questions are: "Why yoga? And why pick yoga over other activities like gymnastics or other sports?"  The answer is simple.  The repetition of doing yoga weekly, plus the calm atmosphere that surrounds yoga, add to the discipline of the yoga practice itself.  Samson's motor skills developed greatly.  He was able to move into yoga poses with less coaching and assistance.  He was also more determined and focused.  Yoga is like building blocks.  If you can't do the first part of the pose, it is hard to go from there.  Yet, yoga gives the discipline that a child needs to learn a new pose.  Over time, Samson was able to move his body into these "foundational steps" so that he could build his body into beautiful poses.  His confidence soared and his smile was even bigger (if that was even possible) and more importantly, he knew he could do anything he put his mind to.  Over time, it was becoming clear that the repetition of doing yoga weekly allowed Samson to prosper as a child.   

Samson is a great yogi and has taught me a lot.  Just a little bit of patience with these amazing little children makes all the difference in the world.