Page 38 - SEN115 - November/December 2021

Yoga
Yoga as a complementary
therapy for children with SEND
Lisa Harwood provides a guide to how yoga practices compliment many of the therapies accessed by SEND children and young people.
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Yoga is the union of body and mind and is viewed as a total body and mind activity for the physical and emotional wellbeing of children, teenagers and adults with or without SEN. It provides an enjoyable and fun activity for children with SEND and their family to participate in together whilst complementing their treatment plans from physiotherapy, speech and language and psychological services.
Benefits of yoga for SEN
children and teens
The benefits of yoga for children with SEND has been well researched demonstrating that yoga ‘increased balance and coordination, increased self-esteem and social communication skills’ (Kenny, 2002), improves ‘balance, flexibility and coordination’ (White, 2017) and for young children with special needs, yoga improves concentration, focus and creativity’ Mochan (2017).
Mental Health Wellbeing
Yoga is the state of being present and mindful in our practice. It allows us to focus on what we are doing now and occupy our minds so we are not worrying about what we should be doing. The yoga concepts of being present (mindfulness) and relaxation, including guided meditations are used in yoga for SEN children and teenagers. These techniques are often used by CAMHS teams (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service). Resources are available from CAMHS teams including YouTube videos on yoga practice and accessible chair yoga. Collaborative working between CAMHS and Learning disability teams has resulted in the development of activity packs which include yoga practice, breathing exercises and mindful activities for children and parents to access (Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust). These enhance the management plans and support that SEN children and their families receive. On a personal level I have delivered guided meditations recordings (10-15mins each)
“Our minds so we are not worrying about what
we should be doing.”
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