Yoga for Children With Special Needs DVD

Yoga instructor Aras Baskauskas begins the program instructing us to "Release expectations of what you think yoga is." He shared that he first got into yoga to improve flexibility as an athlete, but teaching it provides an opportunity for the student to "get in touch with their own truth."

   Different from a typical exercise video, the pace of this is slow and easy to follow. Calm instrumental music is played in the background. The yoga instructor completes each pose and provides verbal instructions as well such as "Hands to heart in prayer." Many instructions are simplified to be easy for children to understand. The initial yoga exercises are demonstrated with three children.The Occupational Therapist (Britt Collins) provides additional verbal tips for modifications that may be made for specific needs. Demonstration is provided by the three children following the exercise instructions; they are occasionally guided by the OT as she unobtrusively assists the children that need help completing the poses. Additional verbal instructions are provided by the OT such as "Do not push beyond your limits."

   The purpose is shared for some of the poses such as "This pose is very calming for children. It helps them organize their sensory systems." Breathing techniques as well as yoga poses are taught to the children. "Breath is the one thing in the human system that we can control consciously that will work unconsciously as well." It is suggested that this program is designed for five year old and older children to enjoy themselves, completing the half hour yoga 2-3 times a week or even daily. Spanish, but not English subtitles are provided. Names of the poses are provided in English on the screen.

   After the half hour yoga routine, additional features include the OT guiding five children through accupressure squeezes, an interview with the yoga instructor, story time, and dance time.