Autism Therapy: integrated movement therapy (IMT)

Denise Reynolds, RD believes that yoga can help children with autism to create a mutual bond with their teachers. Because many children with autism relate better to animals than people, poses such as Down Dog and Tree may stimulate interaction. Integrated Movement Therapy, a yoga-based program in Seattle, combines movement and touch and verbal exercises to help children improve communication and social skills. Reynolds explains, “As the child progresses in the asanas and pranayamas of a yoga routine, a feeling of deep relaxation can strengthen the nervous system and increase concentration and body awareness, thus improving the symptoms of sensory integration dysfunction that often occurs in autism.” Reynolds has also found that many yoga classes for children include massage, music, dance, and stories. She suggests this type of yoga for the entire family as a bonding experience.

Read original article: Yoga Therapy for Children with Autism Found Helpful