Yoga funding for children with Autistic Spectrum Conditions

10/20/2011 11:50 AM EST

The Stafford Branch of the National Autistic Society (NAS) has secured funding from Aiming High for Disabled Children, Staffordshire County Council for a unique yoga project to help children aged 7 to 14 in Stafford. The course will run for 6 weeks and is being designed by a Stafford yoga teacher and NAS Activity Leader.
Children with an Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC) have difficulty with social communication, social interaction, and social imagination. They often have sensory issues, low muscle tone, impaired coordination and a narrow focus of interest. This can lead to social isolation, which increases anxiety and stress. Yoga can help them in several ways.
Sarah Binks, NAS Stafford Activity Leader explains: “I am working with Sue Tupling and we are planning a uniquely adapted yoga class. It will help to improve strength, flexibility and balance and will also help to reduces the children’s anxiety, and calm their sensory and nervous system.”
Sue Tupling, yoga teacher, adds: “Each child with autism is unique, and whilst they may struggle to make sense of the world, they are very talented. Yoga can help them to accept and love themselves as they are, unique and worthy.”
The 6 week course is being piloted in Stafford, commencing on Wed 2nd November from 5.45pm to 6.45pm at Littleworth Community Centre. The initial course is open to 8 children, with funding from Staffordshire County Council and a donation from Howards Chartered Accountants. Following the success of this course, it will be expanded to other children and taken into young adults.

For more information go to http://www.myyoga.org.uk/nasyoga.html

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Caption: Sue Tupling, Yoga Teacher & Sarah Binks, National Autistic Society
For a hi-res version of this image click here