Autism Spectrum

Between 2007 and 2014 Hahra taught a group of adults from Autism Spectrum in a group class along with three other yoga teachers. All participants came from supported living and accessed the yoga through a day program. They each had a high degree of functioning impairment were non-verbal with complex support needs. 

This program included one-on-one physical guidance, person centred yoga practices and a person centred approach to set up of the room, distraction reduction, attention holding through direct engagement, synchronised breathing and counting. Support staff attended and could participate and assist when required.

The students experienced enormous benefit and attended weekly for over seven years. The longest continuous program Hahra has been involved in. The teachers used mimicry, gesture, language and communication cards. Every student's challenging behaviours diminished over time as their yoga familiarity increased. Every student was noticeably calmer at the end of the practice. Every student and their family expressed the importance of yoga in the life of the individual attending. Every student participated willingly and looked forward to their yoga each week.