Yoga And ABA Therapy For Children With ASD A Synergy Of Interaction

Abstract

We explore supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) through a combined psychological-pedagogical-yogic approach, enabling comprehensive, body-oriented developmental work.

Yoga views the body as an integrated system, connecting fragmented or poorly regulated elements—like motor skills, thinking, and imagination—into a cohesive whole for improved self-regulation.

A holistic pedagogical approach, prioritizing positive behavioral patterns before gradual development, engages the child’s attention and enhances contact on tactile, verbal, and cognitive levels.

Children with ASD often show atypical social interactions, communication challenges, and restricted motor skills or interests. Evidence-based interventions like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) applied early in life can significantly improve socially meaningful behaviors.

Our practice of combining Yoga and ABA therapy for autism has shown that children become more organized, experience fewer emotional outbursts, and better regulate their state—enabling longer engagement and smoother task transitions during sessions.

Breathwork techniques effectively energize or calm the child as needed, while yoga-based sensory exercises improve balance and regulation of vestibular and proprioceptive systems, increasing body awareness and comfort.

Parents have observed positive outcomes such as:

• improved sleep quality and duration
• greater body awareness (e.g., toileting, eating)
• enhanced movement control
• increased muscle strength, tone, and balance
• better emotional stability
• longer attention span
• easier transitions between activities without stress

These findings underscore the value of combining yoga for autism with holistic education and ABA for meaningful early intervention.