The Efficacy of Yoga Interventions for Children with Autism: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to produce a systematic review of the efficacy of yoga interventions on behaviors in children with autism. Literature was searched through MEDLINE, Sports Medicine & Education Index, ERIC, Education Research Complete, and PyschInfo. The search criteria included children ages 3-22 diagnosed with autism, a yoga intervention that included physical postures, and at least one adult teaching. An initial total of 280 articles, including 27 duplicates were found. Nine papers met the inclusion criteria. Social and communication behaviors such as initiation, sensory response, and attention were evaluated. In seven of nine studies, positive behavioral results were reported. The results of this systematic review meet Every Student Succeeds Act’s Tier 1 of evidence and the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder’s criteria for evidence-based practice, indicating yoga has strong evidence to support its implementation as a behavioral intervention for children with autism.