A Scoping Review on Yoga for School-Aged Individuals on the Autism Spectrum

Authors

  • Chandler F. Wentz Wayne State University
  • Deborah H. Charbonneau Wayne State University
  • Leah R. Ketcheson Wayne State University

Keywords:

Autism, children, school, scoping review, yoga, youth

Abstract

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience pervasive delays. Yoga has emerged as a viable supplement to traditional interventions. Conduct a scoping review to describe the extent and range of existing studies in this area. As well as to synthesize findings from the studies in this area. A comprehensive literature search was guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute framework. All studies (n=10) reported some type of behavioral or physiological improvement. The most commonly cited outcome were reductions in ASD core delays. Short-term improvements following yoga programming are plausible, but more robust research is warranted.

Author Biographies

Chandler F. Wentz, Wayne State University

Chandler F Wentz, PhD, BCBA, LBA, is an adjunct professor in the Department of Kinesiology, Health,
& Sports Studies at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Her research interests include examining the relationship between motor skills and the core deficits of autism through parent lead interventions.

Deborah H. Charbonneau, Wayne State University

Deborah H. Charbonneau, PhD, is an associate professor in the School of Information Sciences at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Her research interests include health literacy, digital health, privacy, and accessibility issues. She currently teaches courses in health informatics, information policy, research methods, and library management and leadership.

Leah R. Ketcheson, Wayne State University

Leah R. Ketcheson, PhD, CAPE, is an assistant professor and Program Coordinator of the Health and Physical Education Teaching program in the Department of Kinesiology, Health, & Sports Studies at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Dr. Ketcheson designed one of the first early and intensive movement skillinterventions for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ages 4-6, using an evidence-based behavioural framework. Dr. Ketcheson also participated in the implementation of a 3-year randomized clinical trial funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. As a faculty member at Wayne State University, Dr. Ketcheson’s interests will extend her previous work in intervention research by promoting positive trajectories of health in school aged children with ASD through community-based programming.

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Published

2023-09-18

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Vol. 37 No. 3 (2023)

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