Integrated approach to yoga therapy and autism spectrum disorders

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Integrated approach to yoga therapy and autism spectrum disorders”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Yoga (Yogā):
Yoga is a holistic practice that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation to enhance physical and mental well-being. In the context of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), yoga serves as a tool for improving social skills, communication, and self-awareness in children through structured breathing and body awareness techniques.

2) Table:
In the research, tables are used to summarize key data and results, such as demographic details and assessment measures. They present information in an organized manner, making it easier for readers to understand the findings, compare variables, and evaluate the study's progress and outcomes in relation to Yoga and ASD.

3) Activity:
Activity refers to any physical or mental action undertaken by individuals, in this case, the yoga practices and behavioral interventions applied to children with ASD. Engaging in structured activities like yoga aims to improve coordination, imitation skills, and social interactions, fostering overall development and quality of life for affected children.

4) Post:
Post, in this context, refers to the assessment phase after the intervention has been applied. The post-intervention evaluations are critical for determining the effectiveness of the Integrated Approach to Yoga Therapy on ASD symptoms. Observations here help gauge progress in communication, social skills, and other targeted behaviors.

5) Observation:
Observation is critical in evaluating the behaviors and responses of children during the yoga sessions. Careful observation by educators and parents helps to identify incremental changes in skills such as eye contact and imitation, which are crucial for understanding the effectiveness of the therapy on children with ASD.

6) Language:
Language in this context pertains to communication skills, including both verbal and non-verbal interactions. Enhancing language skills is one of the key outcomes measured in the study, as improved communication is essential for social integration and relationships in children with ASD, impacting their overall quality of life.

7) Learning:
Learning encompasses the process through which children acquire new skills and knowledge. In the study, learning is facilitated through yoga and behavior analysis, focusing on improving areas such as imitation and social interaction, which are typically challenging for children with ASD, contributing to their ongoing development.

8) Family:
Family involvement is emphasized in the therapeutic process, as parental participation in yoga sessions provides additional support and guidance to the child. Strengthening family relationships positively impacts behavior at home, offering a collaborative environment that fosters the child’s development and enhances their social skills.

9) Asana (Āśana, Āsana, Aśanā, Aśana, Ashana, Asaṇā):
Asanas refer to the physical postures in yoga practice. Specific asanas are chosen to improve cognitive and physical abilities in children with ASD. Each asana contributes to body awareness, coordination, and relaxation, helping to facilitate better interaction and communication through embodied learning experiences.

10) Perception:
Perception is the process of interpreting sensory information, crucial for understanding spatial relationships and responding to social cues. In the study, enhancing perception through yoga practices aids children in navigating their environments better, improving their ability to interact with others and engage in social situations.

11) Medicine:
Medicine in this context encompasses traditional and complementary therapeutic practices. The study highlights the use of Integrated Approach to Yoga Therapy (IAYT) as a non-invasive alternative to conventional treatments, appealing to families seeking effective ways to address ASD symptoms without side effects associated with pharmaceutical interventions.

12) Mantra (Māntra, Mamtra):
Mantras are rhythmic phrases or sounds chanted during yoga sessions. The chanting helps to focus the mind, calm the nervous system, and encourages social engagement. In the research, mantra practice is linked to improvements in oral-facial movement imitation skills, promoting verbal communication among children with ASD.

13) Study (Studying):
The study investigates the effectiveness of Integrated Approach to Yoga Therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. It employs qualitative and quantitative assessments to measure improvements in targeted behaviors and skills over time, contributing to the understanding of alternative therapies for autism interventions and their impacts.

14) Performance:
Performance refers to how well children engage in social and communicative tasks during the therapy. The study assesses changes in performance related to imitation, eye contact, and language abilities as indicators of the effectiveness of yoga therapy, highlighting overall improvements in the children’s functional capabilities.

15) Surrounding:
Surrounding environments play a crucial role in therapeutic interventions. The study emphasizes conducting yoga in open, green surroundings to create a serene atmosphere, which is thought to enhance focus, reduce anxiety, and promote engagement in children with ASD during their sessions, contributing to effective learning.

16) Reliability:
Reliability pertains to the consistency of the assessments used in the study. It ensures that observations by special educators and data collected from parents accurately reflect changes in behavior and skills throughout the intervention, validating the findings and reinforcing the credibility of the therapeutic approach used.

17) Meditation:
Meditation involves techniques that focus the mind and promote relaxation. In yoga therapy, meditation is incorporated alongside physical practices to help children with ASD regulate their emotions and improve attention, further supporting their overall development and facilitating better social interactions and communication skills.

18) Vajrasana (Vajra-asana, Vajrāsana):
Vajrasana is a specific yoga posture that promotes stability and calmness. It is used in the therapy to help children develop discipline and improve their sitting tolerance. Practicing sitting in this posture is aimed at enhancing focus and engagement during yoga sessions for children with ASD.

19) Knowledge:
Knowledge refers to the information and skills gained through experiences, practices, and instruction. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding both the physical and psychological aspects of yoga as a therapeutic intervention, enabling educators and families to effectively support children with ASD in their development.

20) Education:
Education is a foundational aspect of the intervention, as children are taught various yoga practices that aim to enhance social, cognitive, and communication skills. Educational approaches in the study involve structured teaching methodologies that cater specifically to the learning needs of children with ASD.

21) Training:
Training involves the process of teaching and conditioning skills. In the context of the study, parents undergo training to effectively guide their child's participation in yoga, ensuring consistent home practice, which is critical for reinforcing the skills learned during therapy and supporting ongoing development.

22) Teaching:
Teaching refers to the methods and processes used to impart knowledge and skills. In this study, one-on-one teaching in yoga helps children with ASD learn physical postures and breathing techniques, fostering improvements in focus, social skills, and communication, essential for their ongoing development.

23) Entering:
Entering denotes the participation of children in the therapeutic program. The study involves careful selection of children with ASD who meet specific criteria to ensure that they derive maximum benefit from the Integrated Approach to Yoga Therapy, which is carefully structured to fit their needs.

24) Quality:
Quality refers to the standard of improvement observed in children's abilities and skills throughout the therapy. The study aims to enhance the quality of life for children with ASD by focusing on meaningful improvements in their communication and social skills, making a significant impact on their well-being.

25) Disease:
Disease refers to the medical condition impacting the individuals studied. Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by developmental challenges that significantly affect social interaction, communication, and behavior. The research explores alternative therapeutic options to help mitigate these challenges associated with the disease.

26) Account:
Account refers to reporting and documenting the findings of the study. Gathering qualitative and quantitative data allows researchers to present evidence of the benefits of yoga for children with autism, helping convey the significance of the therapy to stakeholders, including educators and families.

27) Nature:
Nature signifies the inherent characteristics and complexities of Autism Spectrum Disorder and how they interact with therapeutic interventions. Understanding the nature of ASD informs the development of suitable interventions, such as yoga, that cater to the unique challenges faced by affected children in their daily lives.

28) Summer:
Summer refers to the two-month holiday gap within the academic calendar during which the integrated therapy sessions were conducted. This timeframe represents an essential period for reinforcing learning and practices, as continuous engagement in therapy is crucial to maintain and enhance skills learned throughout the year.

29) Water:
Water is referenced as a component of certain calming and sensory activities during yoga sessions. Using water through straws for exercises serves as a tactile and engaging method to develop breath control and spatial awareness, contributing to the overall sensory experience beneficial for children with ASD.

30) Straw:
Straw is mentioned as a tool used during yoga sessions to enhance breathing exercises. It acts as an instrument for children to practice breath control and develop awareness of their breathing patterns, which aligns with the therapeutic goals of improving coordination and relaxation among children with ASD.

31) Life:
Life refers to the overall existence and developmental trajectory of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The study aims to enhance the quality of life for these children through targeted therapeutic interventions like yoga, fostering improved social interactions, communication, and emotional well-being.

32) Line:
Line may reference the continuity and structure provided in the therapeutic approach. Establishing clear routines and boundaries during yoga sessions helps children with ASD navigate their practice more effectively, reinforcing learning and development through consistent, predictable patterns of behavior.

33) Hand:
Hand generally symbolizes physical interaction and manipulation during yoga practice. In interventions, students engage with physical objects placed in their environment, using their hands to explore and participate, which enhances their proprioceptive and tactile awareness, contributing to improved sensory processing capabilities.

34) Pur (Pūr):
Poor refers to the deficits typically observed in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly in areas such as communication, imitation skills, and social interactions. The study aims to address these poor skill levels through the utilization of yoga therapy, facilitating meaningful improvements in daily functioning and overall quality of life.