Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Happy Yoga a good fit for neurodivergent children?

At Happy Yoga, we offer a safe and supportive environment for neurodiverse children to explore and engage with their bodies and senses. Priya is specialized to work with children with diverse needs, and offers a variety of yoga and mindfulness practices that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each child.

How will my child benefit from Happy Yoga classes?

Our classes are designed to help children with autism develop physical, emotional, and social skills in a fun and engaging way. By practicing yoga and mindfulness, children can improve their balance, coordination, and body awareness, as well as develop tools to regulate their emotions and reduce anxiety. In addition, our classes provide opportunities for children to socialize and connect with others in a supportive and accepting environment.

What should parents expect from the Happy Yoga class?
Parents can expect a supportive and inclusive environment where their children can feel comfortable and safe to explore yoga practices. Priya will work with each child individually to adapt the yoga poses and sequences to their needs, and may use props and modifications as needed. Parents are also encouraged to participate in the class with their child.
What are the qualifications of the Happy Yoga teacher?

Priya, who serves as the lead teacher, is a registered yoga teacher recognized by Yoga Alliance (RYT 200). In addition, she has received specialized Yoga training to work with children who are neurodiverse. Priya has completed a 100-hour kids’ yoga teacher training program and an anatomy course. She has also fulfilled the state’s mandatory training for Child Abuse Mandated Reporting.

 

With almost 1000 hours of experience working with children who have diverse needs, she has gained the ability to modify her teaching to accommodate each child’s unique requirements. As her son also has autism, she is familiar with, values, and nurtures neurodiverse children.

How many classes per week and how long is the duration?

The classes are twice a week and 30 minutes per class.

Do you provide any social skills classes?
Yes, We offer Partner Yoga classes twice a month, where children are paired with an appropriate partner to encourage social skills development.
What if my child has difficulty following instructions?
Our lead teacher is trained to give clear and concise instructions that are easy to follow. However, if your child has difficulty following instructions, she will work with your child to break down the steps and offer alternative approaches like visuals etc. Her aim is to make the class enjoyable and accessible for all children, regardless of their abilities.
What happens if my child becomes disruptive during class?

If your child becomes disruptive during class, our lead teacher will handle the situation in a calm and positive manner. She understands that children with diverse needs may require different approaches, and she will work with your child to redirect their behavior and help them feel comfortable and engaged in the class.

What if my child has a meltdown during class?
Our lead teacher understands that children with diverse needs may experience meltdowns, and is trained to handle these situations with care and compassion. She will work with your child to help calm down and feel safe, and she will do her best to minimize disruptions in the class.
Can my child take breaks or sit in the class if needed?

Yes, some children may need to take breaks or need quiet time in the class as they get overwhelmed. Children are encouraged to listen to their bodies and take breaks as needed to feel comfortable and safe.

What if my child has specific sensory needs?
Some children with diverse needs may have specific sensory needs, and our lead teacher will work with your child to accommodate these needs. Our Yoga studio offers a safe and supportive environment where children can explore and engage with their senses, and she will provide tools and techniques to help them regulate their sensory experiences.
Can you help my child develop an interest in yoga even though he/she finds it challenging to adapt to new activities?

Happy Yoga understands that each child is unique and may require additional support to engage in new activities like yoga. We use preferred reinforcers to motivate your child and encourage their participation in yoga. Our goal is to provide a fun and engaging experience for all children, tailored to their needs, interests, and challenges. Communication with our lead teacher is encouraged to ensure a positive and rewarding experience. We believe that every child can benefit from the practice of yoga and mindfulness, and we are committed to making it a positive and rewarding experience for all. We’ve even displayed how we incorporate the child’s positive reinforcers into our yoga classes below.

Can my child participate in yoga if they have a strong attachment to items from home and struggle to engage in new activities without the preferred item?

At Happy Yoga, we recognize that each child is unique. We work with you and your child to accommodate individual needs and preferences, including incorporating preferred items from home into the yoga class in a way that feels comfortable and safe for them.

 

Our goal is to provide a supportive and engaging environment where your child can explore and enjoy yoga and mindfulness practices tailored to their needs. We’ve even displayed how we incorporate these preferred items into our yoga classes below.