Yoga for dealing with Asperger’s Syndrome Symptoms

By Patricia | November 28, 2008
Yoga For Asperger's Syndrome

Yes, yoga is beneficial for people of all age groups who suffer from Asperger’s Syndrome or Asperger’s Disorders. Before we look at the role of yoga, let’s understand what Asperger’s Syndrome is.

Asperger’s Syndrome:

This is a neurobiological disorder in which individuals may have normal language development skills and intelligence, but they tend to show autistic-like behaviors. They also have deficiencies in communication and social skills. Several individuals suffering from Asperger’s Syndrome may prefer sameness and could have difficulties adjusting to changes. They may have certain obsessive routines; interest in specific things; difficulty reading body language / non verbal cues and understanding body space. Quite often individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome are overly sensitive to sights, smells, tastes and sounds.

Since people with Asperger’s Syndrome have trouble in social settings and have a high degree of functionality, they are often characterized as weird or odd by other people. This way, they may become easy targets of teasing, which finally stress them out. Benefits Of Yoga: While yoga is not a way to cure Asperger’s Syndrome, it is a great way to deal with the symptoms and help the individuals.

How Does Yoga Help To Improve Poor Muscle Coordination

  • Yoga asanas or postures like pranayama or shoulder rolls can counteract perseveration, such as flapping hands. Correct breathing techniques and soothing postures can ease the tension that these individuals often feel and can calm the mind.
  • Yoga is a coping mechanism that the child or the individual can use on his own and help himself by dealing or managing certain stressful situations. This makes them a little more self-reliant.
  • If yoga is done in a serene atmosphere with mellow lighting, it rests the stressed out sensory system. Eye pillows can be used to block out distractions.
  • Since yoga is non-competitive, an individual with Asperger’s Syndrome may enjoy doing this. While they may feel insecure while playing social sports, yoga will only boost their confidence.
  • Yoga will not only help to improve their balance and muscle coordination, it will also improve concentration.

The gentle postures and breathing techniques are often effective in managing over-sensitivity, disorientation and high levels of anxiety that effect children and adults with Asperger’s Syndrome. A set of yoga exercises to warm-up, strengthen and calm can reduce coping mechanism as well as increase body awareness, strength and muscle tone.

There are various yoga poses, each of which can help in various spheres – from counteracting preservative behaviors and meltdowns, to controlling excessive nervous energy or anger; building up concentration to relaxing visual over stimulation. Thus, yoga is beneficial and is therapeutic for people with Asperger’s Syndrome.

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