Date of Award

4-2024

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Allie Affandy

Second Advisor

Holly Grieves

Abstract

Limited research exists to support the use of yoga as an occupational therapy intervention for children with disabilities. In the studies that are available, yoga is primarily used to target children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Currently there is no research available that explores use of yoga in a group of children with a variety of disabilities and diagnoses. The aim of my doctoral capstone experience was to design and implement an inclusive yoga group for children with diverse needs. Objectives were created to guide this capstone project such as creating intake forms, pre/post surveys, weekly yoga curriculum and weekly educational handouts for children to practice what they have learned at home. The Doctoral Capstone Experience (DCE) revealed that an inclusive yoga group is beneficial for increasing access to participation in physical activities outside of the school setting as well as additional opportunities for special needs children to engage with their peers. This DCE also revealed that it is not entirely feasible to be inclusive of all disabilities in one class and these adaptive yoga groups should be further divided by physical ability level for maximum benefit to the child.

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