(UK) Norfolk schools try yoga for "pupils on the autism spectrum...social emotional challenges"

Feb 19, 2019, Schools Week: New yoga trial aims to tackle high exclusion rates https://schoolsweek.co.uk/new-yoga-trial-aims-to-tackle-high-exclusion-rates/

Schools in Norfolk are turning to yoga in a bid to bring down exclusion rates. GP practice the Acle Medical Partnership is working with three schools on a new trial which will see pupils at risk of exclusion taught “the benefits of yoga and mindfulness” to help them cope with life, “both in and outside the classroom”. The scheme will be targeted at pupils on the autistic spectrum and those with social or emotional challenges. … Jyoti Jo Manuel, founder of Special Yoga, claims yoga teaches children with autism, challenging behaviour and mental health issues “to cope and respond to stress, tension, worry, anxiety and depression”. … Chris Edwards, the headteacher of Reedham Primary School, one of the schools taking part, said her school had a “larger than normal” number of children with autism spectrum disorder, social communication disorders and ADHD, and warned of a “growing pressure in the system and the diagnostic process is taking far longer than it should”. “In the meantime, without an official diagnosis, a number of these children are unable to access the full range of support services available to them and their families. …