How to Teach Inclusive Family Yoga With Unconditional Positive Regard

Best Practices with Neurodiverse Groups

• “YES” space: Create a haven from the judgment of the world. What autistic kids and their parents crave the most is unconditional positive regard. Put away anything potentially dangerous in advance, and think of ways to avoid having to say “no.” Drop your expectations of a yoga class, and be radically inclusive.
  
  
• Let it go: If you see distracting or unexpected behavior, don’t put your energy into trying to stop it. Focus on the expected behavior you see and give that your positive attention. Your sense of humor will come in handy. Of course safety is your responsibility, but you can usually let the parents handle stuff like hitting.
  
  
• Accept: When kids are fully accepted and seen, then their parents can relax. If parents feel accepted, they will be more self-regulated. If parents are self-regulated, that will help them co-regulate with their kids.
  
  
• Appreciate: Beyond acceptance is appreciation. When kids are appreciated and seen, their parents may experience relief and gratitude. Be kind, calm, and encouraging.
  
  
• Priming: Tell or show everyone what you will do together ahead of time. Keep surprises to a minimum. It is okay to repeat the same routine.
  
  
• Visual supports: Here are some ideas: a checklist, yoga poster, or yoga cards (pick out a few from the deck ahead of time).
  
  
• Special interests: Tie class themes into kids’ interests so they “buy in.” If the kids are into it, their parents will be happy. You might want to send out a short survey in advance to get to know the special interests of your attendees.
  
  
• Sensory sensitivities: You can also ask in advance about sensory challenges, or try to anticipate whether the lighting, textures, or acoustics in the environment might cause autistic kids to suffer.
  
  
• Community: Give parents a way to connect with each other. Not as a sympathy fest, but to celebrate wins together. Offer some sort of structured community engagement, such as going around the circle, saying your name and sharing a win from your week. It could be as simple as sharing your favorite color. Give explicit permission to pass.

How I Structure Inclusive Family Yoga Classes

We sit in a circle — kids with parents on one mat or each on their own next to each other. I encourage everyone to participate at their level of ability, and do something centering, like a name song, a chant or an ice breaker. We begin and end class the same way every time. This creates an emotionally safe container.

Warm Up Everyone’s Brains as Well as Bodies

Brain Gym movements can help all our brains get online. Incorporate simple self-regulation practices. There’s a yoga practice called Thoppukaranam (Western science coined it “Super Brain Yoga”). Research has shown improved attention and reduced anxiety after practicing these yogic squats.

Let the Kids Shine!

Give each child an opportunity to choose a pose or card and teach it. Give them the spotlight, if they want it. Who can sit still even for a second? Pick them and let them choose what to teach. Then help them demonstrate it.

Really look for the opportunities — even for half a second. Of course every kid will eventually be given a turn, but this will motivate those who have a harder time and give them lots of chances to practice. Give them a chance to pass as well.

Keep It Fun and Be Sweet

Do not worry about correcting postures or anything. Keep your sequencing simple and familiar. Show rather than telling. Offer encouraging comments only!

Remember that many autistic kids get corrected all day long. They will be more likely to see their practice as a haven if you shower them with appreciation for whatever effort you observe. Each of us is doing our best in the moment. Partner poses with parent/child duos may be fun. Yoga Freeze Dance is a great way to discharge energy or recover from an unsuccessful moment.

Have a Blast!

Laugh together. See the prank my son played on me in the short video below.

Keep Relaxation Time Short

Relaxation may look like rolling around on the floor or wrapping up in the mat like a burrito. This is great feedback for anyone’s nervous system. Parents and kids can take turns giving each other shoulder rubs during savasana (deep relaxation). You can also try a guided visualization or play music.

End With a Simple Song or Chant

Singing or chanting tones the vagus nerve and sparks joy! Don’t worry about who is or isn’t joining you, just model the song or chant from your heart.

You Will Learn So Much From Teaching Inclusive Family Yoga 

Maybe you will see that the kids or their parents are calmer after class. Maybe you will see them shine. You may never know the benefit your class has on the families who attend. That’s okay, since inclusive family yoga isn’t something you will do for validation. It will be an extension of your yoga practice, and you will learn so much. 

An older version of this article was published in Better Humans under the title, 'How To Teach Atypical Family Yoga'.

Are you a parent of a neurodivergent kid?

I believe we can eradicate shame in one generation, so that our kids grow up thriving in an inclusive, equitable and empathetic world. I believe focusing on your own self-care will bring your whole family more harmony and joy. I can’t wait to walk this path alongside you, sharing the tools that have helped me feel calmer. 

Here's how you can work with me...

1. Start by downloading the Mindful Meltdown Cheat Sheet to get 4 quick mindfulness strategies, and my meltdown essentials. If you have a kid with an IEP, 5 Steps to Calm & Successful IEP Meetings will help ease your anxiety as you go through the process.
   
   
2. Then sign up for 5 Days to Calmer Kinder Parenting or 1-1 Mindful Parent Mentoring to integrate mindfulness strategies into your parenting.
   
   
3. The next step is to join the Mindful Parents Club for ongoing support.