Abstract

Yoga is a holistic practice that promotes mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It is becoming more widely acknowledged for its therapeutic benefits in children with special needs, such as those with cerebral palsy (CP), Down syndrome, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Studies demonstrate the advantages of yoga in three key areas: social, mental and psychological, and physical and physiological. Physically, it lessens spasticity and enhances flexibility, balance, and motor coordination. In psychology, yoga improves cognitive abilities, emotional control, attention span, and anxiety levels. Socially, it promotes empathy, group engagement, and interpersonal skills. Although small sample numbers and a focus on confined conditions impair generalizability, studies using randomised controlled trials, pre-and post-test designs, and mixed techniques show notable gains. Accessibility for a range of abilities is ensured using adaptive yoga practices. Future research should create standardised methods, conduct longitudinal investigations, and investigate various populations and cultural contexts to validate findings further. Yoga is a beneficial intervention for improving children with special needs’ physical health, emotional resilience, and social integration despite gaps, providing educators and caregivers with a valuable therapeutic tool.

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Funding