Learning and The Brain Conference: April 19-21, 2018

Click here to see the Presentation (PDF)

At the Learning & the Brain Conference, “Educating Mindful Minds,” Dr. Debra Krodman-Collins and Louise Goldberg presented Teaching Self-Calming, Yoga, and Social Engagement to Children with Autism and Special Needs. Below is a summary, followed by a link to our presentation handout. Please contact us if you have any questions!

The presenters will explore ways to reduce anxiety and improve self-control in students with autism and other special needs. They will explore such topics as the neuropsychology underlying rigid, stress-induced reactions vs. flexible, adaptive responses in autism; the benefits of a physical yoga practice for improving self-regulation and academic, behavioral, and social functioning; strategies and curriculum materials that make practice accessible for children with disabilities affecting cognition, communication, and focus; and adaptations and modifications for children with more severe disabilities. It will also look at adaptations for space, time, and frequency of practice; progress monitoring and promotion of functional use of self-calming skills; and a short, seated S.T.O.P. and Relax lesson promoting relaxation will be discussed. This presentation is also applicable for autism treatment, ADHD, behavior management, movement activities, sensory integration, resiliency development, social/emotional skills development, and yoga.