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Teaching Yoga to ADHD Kids

It is estimated that 4.4 million children between the ages of 4 and 17 years olf have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as of 2003, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Half of these children have learning disabilities, as well. Many take prescription drugs to get their behavior under control, but the FDA has concluded that some of these medications carry dangerous risks of mania and suicidal tendencies. Yoga is increasingly becoming a complimentary or alternative therapy to other treatments.

  1. Yoga's mind/body connection

    • Children with ADHD often lack the balance between what the mind thinks and how the body feels or reacts. Researchers in Australia and Germany have found that yoga may help children with ADHD increase their ability to focus and feel more at ease, leading to a more balanced mind/body connection.

    Recent research

    • Pauline Jensen, coauthor of a 2004 study published in the "Journal of Attention Disorders" says that yoga "increases concentration, promotes mental and physical discipline, and induces confidence." Jensen's study involved 8 to 13 year old boys who practiced yoga once a week for five months. Parents of these boys reported that their sons were less hyperactive. However, this study did not conclude that medications were no longer needed.

    Forward bends

    • Another German study in 2006 found that children undergoing drug treatment for ADHD can greatly benefit from a yoga practice, especially one that includes forward bends. "Forward bends increase exhalation by lengthening and deepening the breath," says the study's coauthor, Nicole Goldstein, M.D. "This is key in developing concentration."

    Teaching children to breathe

    • The greatest benefit from yoga for children with ADHD is learning to deal with stressful situations by taking deep breaths. Yoga integrates deep breathing exercises with physical control which improves relaxation and self-restraint. Yoga affects a person's awareness of their thoughts and actions. As a result, yoga helps to improve self-esteem leading to reduced depression and anxiety and an improved healthy relationship with themselves, others, and the world.

    Consultation

    • Consult with a certified yoga instructor and your child's doctor to develop the most effective yoga practice for your child to follow.

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