THE EFFECTS OF YOGA ON A MALE CHILD WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to utilize yoga as a Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) to decrease disruptive behavior and increase communication a male child, aged 10 years (developmental level 1-2 years) diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Due to the lack of empirical literature, an A-B single subject design was used for the current study. The current study took place in a rural North Carolina elementary school, within a self-contained classroom designed for children with a diagnosis of autism. Results indicated that there was a decrease in disruptive behaviors after yoga was introduced in the intervention phase and an increase in communication skills during phase B. Behaviors decreased from 10 disruptive behaviors during Phase A, and 2 disruptive behaviors during Phase B. Communication skills increased from 0 uses during Phase A, to 11 uses during Phase B. The research participant independently used the communication board 9 times. Consistent with previous literature, the current study illustrates the benefits of yoga on children with autism. Results indicated that participation in yoga yielded a decrease in disruptive behaviors and an increase in communication.