Feasibility of Parent-Based Yoga Intervention for Group of Autism Spectrum Disorder Children in Special Schools: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a debilitating developmental disorder. Apart from behavior problems like communication and interaction, attention deficit, social behavior, adhering to sameness and repeated behavior, sensory integration, motor problems ASD children also suffer from a sleep disorder, gastrointestinal problem. Yoga is a non-invasive and alternative therapy which brings positive changes at both physiological and psychological level. We conducted this pilot study to test the feasibility of parent based structured yoga intervention for a large group of ASD children in special schools to reduce the severity of sleep, gastrointestinal and behavior problems. This was a pre-test and post-test single group design. A group of 7 ASD children between 5 and 16 years' age group, comprising 4 males and 3 females were selected from ATG (Assessment, Training, and Guidance) center. A set of 61 questionnaires were used to collect data from parents' pre and post yoga intervention. Two weeks' yoga intervention was given for 75 minutes everyday evening along with parents. As per the feedback from parent's significant changes have been seen among children in sleep and gastrointestinal problems in early days. It was concluded that with a longer period of intervention significant changes can be found with structured yoga intervention for a large group of ASD children involving parents in special schools. As per the parent's suggestion, teachers' involvement in such intervention will help to discipline the children during the intervention.

Sleep, Sensory Integration/Processing, and Autism: A Scoping Review

“…Two were yoga-based interventions, which would have incorporated proprioception and vestibular inputs as well as addressing sensorimotor differences like posture and bilateral coordination. In a pilot and follow-up study Narasingharao et al (2017a , b) provided yoga to autistic children, delivered by a trained yoga teacher; parents were encouraged to practice asanas at home with their child. Investigators documented changes in all aspects of sleep measured by a purpose-built questionnaire in both studies; parent report indicated uninterrupted and longer duration nighttime sleep, and a reduction in daytime sleeping.…”