Neurodiversity & Yoga
Coauthored by neurodiverse faculty members
“I‘m very happy to tell people I am on the spectrum because I honestly think it‘s my biggest gift.“
- David M.
April is Autism Awareness Month. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that’s categorized and diagnosed by assessment of social and sensory differences.
It exists on a spectrum, meaning it presents myriad ways, and much is still unknown: what causes autism, why it tends to present differently in females than males, why some autistic people live their whole lives not knowing they’re autistic and others require significant support from a young age. And a lot of misinformation, like the disproven link between autism and vaccines and the misconception that autistic people can’t feel empathy, continues to spread rampantly and does harm to the autistic community.
But the speed at which new information is being discovered and shared about autism is unprecedented for a long misunderstood population, and thanks to the internet many autistic people are finding answers and peace in community with one another. This connection has sparked the neurodiversity movement which is steadily making its way onto the public consciousness.
From workplace awareness to social media influencers, the challenges and celebrations of being neurodiverse are front and center.
What does it mean to be neurodiverse?
It refers to the range of differences in human brain function — being neurodivergent means having a brain that works differently from the average “neurotypical” person. It’s generally agreed that ADHD, autism, Tourette’s, dyslexia fall under the neurodivergent umbrella, and some people with generalized anxiety, severe depression and other mental health conditions relate to this identity as well. In short, we are collectively beginning to acknowledge that many of us live with unique operating systems, and that is not a bad thing. In fact, it might be beneficial to our species to have outliers, referred to as the “autism advantage.”
So how can yoga support the lives of folks who are neuro-spicy?
Quite simply — nervous system regulation. Yoga and meditation are fantastic methods of calming and regulating the nervous system. For neurodivergent folks living in a predominantly “neurotypical” world, anxiety can feature largely in daily life.
Getting back in your body, exercising, and breathing can help to soothe the nervous system, whether it is under- or overactive in a given moment. Both slow- and fast-paced yoga and fitness classes can help ease the need to stim (stimulate - think knee bouncing, rocking, pacing). While not ideal for everyone, meditation can provide the same benefits as well.
Specifically yoga can be beneficial for people in several ways:
Sensory Integration: Many autistic people experience sensory processing difficulties. Yoga can help by providing sensory input in a controlled and predictable environment, helping individuals regulate their sensory experiences.
Emotional Regulation: Yoga practices, such as deep breathing and mindfulness techniques, can support emotional regulation and stress management.
Improving Body Awareness: Yoga encourages awareness of body movements, posture, and alignment both externally (proprioception) and internally (interoception). This increased body awareness can be especially helpful for individuals who may have challenges with coordination and spatial awareness.
Enhancing Communication: Some yoga practices incorporate social interaction and communication skills, such as partner poses or group activities. These activities can help us develop social skills and improve communication while combating isolation.
Promoting Relaxation and Calmness: The relaxation techniques used in yoga, such as pranayama, drishti and guided imagery, can reduce hyperactivity and improve sleep quality.
Improving Focus and Attention: Yoga practices that involve concentration and mindfulness can enhance focus possibly improve memory.
It's important to note, as with any population, the benefits of yoga for autistic people can vary widely depending on the individual's specific needs and preferences. No two people are the same, ever!
