How My Son Inspired My Yoga Journey: Teaching Yoga for Neurodiverse Children

Becoming a yoga teacher was a dream I pursued with passion, but I never expected that my greatest inspiration would come from my own children - especially my son. Through him, I discovered the power of yoga in a way I hadn’t before. His unique way of experiencing the world led me down a new path, one that has shaped my career into something deeply meaningful: teaching yoga to neurodiverse children.

From Yoga Teacher to Special Needs Advocate

When I first trained as a yoga teacher, my focus was on the traditional aspects of the practice - helping adults build strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. I loved the way yoga transformed people’s lives, but my understanding of its impact expanded when I saw how it could help my son.

Like many children with ADHD and autism, my son often struggled with sensory overload, difficulty focusing, and emotional regulation. Simple tasks could feel overwhelming, and everyday situations could become stressful. As a mother, I wanted to support him in any way I could. As a yoga teacher, I began to wonder: Could yoga help him find calm, focus and confidence?

Bringing Yoga into My Son’s World

I started introducing small elements of yoga into my son’s daily routine. We practiced breathwork together, using fun techniques like “balloon breath” (deep belly breathing) to help him self-regulate. I guided him through gentle yoga poses, turning them into playful adventures rather than structured exercises. We used mindfulness techniques, like listening to sounds around us or feeling different textures, to help him become more present.

The changes were subtle but powerful. He became more aware of his body, more in control of his emotions, and even found moments of stillness - something that had always been challenging for him. Seeing this transformation firsthand made me realise that this was the work I was meant to do.

Teaching Yoga to Neurodiverse Children

Inspired by my son, I pursued further training in yoga for children, learning how to adapt yoga for kids with ADHD, autism, and sensory processing challenges. I discovered that yoga could be a safe space for these children - an environment where they could move, explore, and regulate their emotions without judgment.

Yoga offers so many benefits to neurodiverse children:



• Improved focus – Mindful movement and breathing help strengthen attention and concentration.

• Calm & self-regulation – Simple breathing exercises can reduce anxiety and help children navigate overwhelming emotions.

• Body awareness – Yoga teaches kids how to connect with their bodies, improving coordination and reducing sensory discomfort.

• Confidence & self-expression – Through playful yoga, children build self-esteem and learn to express themselves in new ways.

A Career with Purpose

What started as a personal journey has now become my life’s work. I now teach yoga classes designed specifically for neurodiverse children, creating a joyful, inclusive space where kids can feel safe, accepted, and empowered. Every child is different, and my approach is always flexible - some days are full of movement and laughter, while others are quiet and soothing.

Teaching these children has taught me as much as yoga itself. They’ve shown me the beauty of seeing the world differently, the power of patience, and the importance of meeting each person exactly where they are.

learn to express themselves in new ways.

Yoga as a Gift for All Children

Yoga is not about perfection -it’s about connection. Whether a child is neurodivergent or neurotypical, they all benefit from the chance to slow down, breathe, and move in a way that feels good. My goal is to share yoga as a tool for self-discovery and self-acceptance, helping children feel more at home in their own bodies and minds.

Looking back, I realise that my son was my greatest teacher. He helped me see yoga in a new light - not just as a practice, but as a lifeline for children who need extra support. And for that, I will always be grateful.

If you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver of a neurodiverse child, know that yoga can be a gentle, powerful tool to help them navigate the world. Sometimes, the smallest moments - one deep breath, one playful stretch - can make the biggest difference.

Namaste x