11/12/2026
As also mentioned in my previous posts - one of my favorite things about yoga is that it can be adapted so that anyone, of any ability or age, can participate. No one is excluded in yoga!
Many of the benefits that apply to neurotypical individuals will also apply to those with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, such as strength building, coordination improvement, and flexibility. There are also additional benefits, however, that can impact those with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
One study, conducted in 2010, looked at school-age children diagnosed with Autism who participated in one hour of yoga for five sessions per week. The study took place over two years. The first results were noticed around the 12 week mark, and then, progressing forward, parents and therapists of the subjects reported steady increases in eye contact, reductions in self-injurious behaviors, and better comprehension of verbal commands.
Additionally, parents and therapists reported that the children would consistently greet them with smiles and had better overall interactions with other children and family members.
Yoga also has many benefits for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. As Yoga International explains, many people with Autism Spectrum Disorders have a lack of body awareness, which can cause challenges with coordination and gross motor skills. Yoga allows them to re-connect with their bodies. Many of those with Autism Spectrum Disorders also have irregular sleep patterns. Just as it does with neurotypical individuals, yoga has been shown to help with more restful and regular sleeping patterns.
One of the most common symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders may be sensory processing difficulties, which is related to the inability to self-regulate. As the poses, or asanas, in yoga build on coordination, balance, muscle strengthening and body awareness, they are helpful in increasing ones ability to self-regulate, which can aid in better sensory processing.
It goes without saying that everyone who has an Autism Spectrum Disorder will present with different symptoms and will have different needs. But research going back over the past decade and longer shows that yoga is beneficial in some capacity for most everyone.
