How soon will I see results in my child?

Most parents notice calmer evenings within 2–3 weeks; measurable classroom improvements appear around week 6.

Can yoga therapy replace ADHD medication?

In mild cases, it can reduce reliance on medication, but always coordinate changes with your child’s doctor.

What should my child wear to sessions?

Comfortable, stretchy clothes—think cotton leggings or shorts and a T-shirt. No shoes or socks required.

Do you offer online yoga therapy?

Yes. We use Zoom with interactive games and mailed prop kits (yoga mat, breathing ball).

Is parental participation required?

For ages 4–7, a caregiver joins the last 10 minutes. For older kids, parents join monthly review sessions.

Is yoga therapy a replacement for medication or other therapies like OT/Counselling?

No. Yoga therapy is considered a **complementary** approach. It works best when integrated with, rather than replacing, core evidence-based treatments like medication (managed by a psychiatrist), behavioural therapy, occupational therapy (OT), counselling/psychotherapy, and educational support. A **Yoga Therapist for ADHD** collaborates with the wider treatment team.

Is yoga therapy suitable for all ages with ADHD?

Yes, yoga therapy can be adapted for various age groups, from young children (using highly playful approaches) to adolescents and adults. The techniques and focus will differ significantly based on developmental stage and individual needs.

Yoga Therapist for ADHD: A Parent’s Guide to Cadabams CDC’s Evidence-Based Program

When your child with ADHD struggles to sit still, follow instructions, or manage big emotions, you want options that are safe, effective, and child-friendly. A Yoga Therapist for ADHD offers a science-backed, side-effect-free path that complements medication and other therapies. At Cadabams CDC, our certified yoga therapists use playful movement, breathing games, and restorative poses to help kids ages 4–17 build focus, self-regulation, and confidence—one breath at a time.

What Is Yoga Therapy for ADHD?

Yoga therapy is a structured mind–body intervention delivered by credentialed professionals trained to adapt yoga techniques for medical and psychological needs. Unlike a general PE class or after-school sports league, each session is:

Personalized to your child’s unique sensory profile and attention span.
Therapeutic, targeting specific ADHD challenges such as impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Measurable, with parent-report tracking and standardized rating scales.

Science-Backed Benefits for Inattentive & Hyperactive Symptoms

Increased prefrontal cortex activation, the brain region linked to executive function (Harvard Medical School, 2022).
Reduced cortisol levels, easing stress-triggered meltdowns.
Improved sleep onset and quality, supporting next-day focus.
Enhanced proprioception, helping kids “feel” where their body is in space—key for sitting still at school.

How Yoga Differs from Regular PE or Sports

Regular PE / Sports	Yoga Therapy for ADHD
Group-only format	1:1 and small groups
Competitive scoring	Non-competitive, self-paced
One-size-fits-all drills	Tailored poses & breathing cues
Focus on fitness metrics	Focus on emotional regulation

Meet Our Certified Yoga Therapists

Credentials & IAYT Accreditation

Every Yoga Therapist for ADHD at Cadabams CDC is certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT)—the global gold-standard body. Therapists must complete:

800+ hours of specialized training.
Ongoing pediatric ADHD continuing education.
Annual peer review and case supervision.

Specialized Training in Pediatric ADHD

Our team trains in:

Sensory integration strategies for sensory-seeking and sensory-avoidant kids.
Behavior-shaping language that motivates rather than corrects.
Trauma-informed approaches for children with co-occurring anxiety or ODD.

Therapist Spotlight Stories

“Arjun, age 9, couldn’t sit through homework without 3–4 prompts. After eight weeks of twice-weekly yoga therapy, he started reading for 20 minutes straight. His teacher noted the change before we did!” — Parent of Arjun, Bangalore

Program Features & Therapeutic Modules

Initial Assessment & Goal Mapping

During the first 60-minute session, your Yoga Therapist for ADHD will:

Use the Vanderbilt ADHD scale to score current symptom severity. This is part of our assessment for ADHD.
Map sensory triggers (noise, lights, transitions).
Co-create 3 concrete goals with you and your child (e.g., “Stay seated for dinner for 15 minutes”).

Weekly 1:1 & Small-Group Sessions

1:1 sessions: Ideal for severe hyperactivity or co-occurring conditions.
Small groups (max 4 children): Foster peer modeling and social skills.
Session length: 30–45 minutes, matched to attention span.

Parental Home-Practice Toolkits

You’ll receive:

5-minute video demos of calming breaths and “animal” poses.
Laminated pose cards for quick reference.
Weekly progress tracker sent via WhatsApp.

Techniques & Yoga Styles Used

Active Flow Sequences to Channel Hyperactivity

Rocket Cat Flow: 4 dynamic poses that mimic big-cat stretches, releasing excess energy before homework.
Color-Run Game: Kids “run” through colored yoga spots, matching breath to movement.

Mindful Breathing for Impulse Control

4-6 Breaths: Inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 6—proven to lengthen the exhale response linked to calm.
Bubble Blowing: Actual bubbles keep the exercise playful while teaching diaphragmatic breathing.

Restorative Poses for Sensory Regulation

Legs-Up-the-Wall: Reverses blood flow, calming the nervous system in 3–5 minutes.
Weighted Blanket Savasana: Deep-pressure input reduces sensory seeking for up to an hour post-session.

Expected Outcomes & Timeline

Short-Term Focus & Mood Gains (4–6 Weeks)

30% reduction in off-task behavior during homework (parent logs).
Fewer bedtime resistance episodes.
Child reports feeling “less wiggly.”

Long-Term Executive Function Improvements (3–6 Months)

Working memory: Easier multi-step instructions (e.g., brush teeth → pack bag → shoes on).
Emotional regulation: Meltdowns drop from daily to 1–2 per week.
Self-esteem: Child invites friends over, first time ever.

Parent-Reported Behavior Tracking

We use the SWAN Rating Scale every 4 weeks to ensure measurable growth. Data from these ADHD assessments is shared in a simple graph so you can celebrate wins with your child.

Pros & Cons of Yoga Therapy vs. Medication & ABA

Factor	Yoga Therapy	Stimulant Medication	ABA
Side effects	None	Possible appetite loss	None
Skill generalization	High—breathing can be used anywhere	Variable—wears off as dose ends	High—behavioral scripts taught
Motivation required	Moderate—needs buy-in	Low—passive pill	High—reinforcement needed
Complementarity	Excellent with meds	—	Excellent with yoga

Key takeaway: Most families see the best results when yoga therapy complements doctor-prescribed medication—not replaces it.

Age Groups & Admission Criteria

Early Intervention: Ages 4–7

Focus on playful animal poses and parent-child partner games, which is a key part of our focus on ADHD in children.
20-minute sessions to match shorter attention spans.
Must be able to follow two-step directions with visual cues.

School-Age Program: Ages 8–12

Introduces simple vinyasa flows and breath counts.
Sessions expand to 30–40 minutes.
Ideal if child can tolerate 5 minutes of quiet stillness.

Teen Sessions: Ages 13–17

Yoga philosophy on self-acceptance integrated with body-image concerns.
45-minute sessions, includes journaling.
Admission for ADHD in teens requires willingness to attend at least 8 consecutive sessions.