Teaching Yoga That Honors Neurodivergent Nervous Systems

Aug 20

Yoga has long been celebrated as a practice for calming the mind and restoring balance. But for many neurodivergent students—those with ADHD, autism, sensory sensitivities, or trauma histories—traditional yoga classes can feel anything but accessible.

The pace, language, and expectations often unintentionally overlook how different nervous systems respond to stress, movement, and stillness. If we want yoga to truly be a practice of inclusivity, we need to teach in a way that honors neurodivergent nervous systems.

Why the Nervous System Matters in Yoga

Yoga is not just movement; it’s a practice of regulation. Breath, posture, and awareness all interact with the nervous system—shaping how safe, focused, or calm a student feels.

For neurodivergent practitioners, the nervous system can be more sensitive to:

Sensory input (lights, sounds, textures, proximity to others)
Transitions (from one pose to another, or from movement into stillness)
Language (cues that feel vague, rushed, or pressuring)
Internal states (like restlessness, hyperfocus, or emotional flooding)

When teachers understand this, the practice becomes less about “fixing” attention or behavior and more about co-creating an environment where nervous systems can settle, explore, and thrive.

Shifting the Teaching Lens

Instead of focusing only on perfect alignment or rigid sequencing, try shifting toward nervous system-informed teaching. Here’s what that can look like:

1. Offer Choice, Not Commands

Rather than “Everyone sit still in Sukhasana,” you might say:

“You’re welcome to sit, stand, or lie down—choose what feels most supportive right now.”

Choice is regulating. It helps students feel safe and in control of their bodies.

2. Normalize Movement and Fidgets

Stillness is often idealized in yoga, but for some nervous systems, movement is regulation. Let students know:

“You don’t have to be still to be present. If rocking, tapping, or shifting helps, honor that.”

3. Soften Transitions

Going from a flowing sequence straight into long savasana can feel jarring. Build in bridges:

Gentle grounding poses (like Child’s Pose or Supported Forward Fold)
Guided breath cues to signal slowing down
Permission to opt out of stillness if it feels unsafe

4. Use Clear, Supportive Language

Neurodivergent brains often benefit from:

Step-by-step instructions
Concrete rather than abstract imagery
Reassurance that there’s no “wrong” way to practice

5. Anchor in the Senses

Grounding sensory input can support regulation:

Weighted props or blankets for proprioceptive input
Dimmed lights or eye pillows to reduce visual overwhelm
Music-free or quiet options for those sensitive to sound

What This Looks Like in Class

Imagine guiding a group into rest. Instead of a one-size-fits-all savasana, you offer:

“If lying on your back feels supportive, go there. If not, curl up on your side, or rest forward over a bolster. You can keep your eyes open or closed. Notice what helps your body feel safe enough to soften.”

This small shift creates space for nervous systems to choose regulation, instead of being forced into it.

Why This Matters

When we honor neurodivergent nervous systems, we honor the truth of yoga itself: union, presence, and compassion.

It’s not about making yoga “easier” or diluting tradition—it’s about making the practice more humane, more accessible, and more healing for all students.

Final Thought

Teaching yoga with nervous system awareness doesn’t require a whole new certification or specialized studio. It starts with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to meet students where they are.

When teachers embrace choice, clarity, and compassion, yoga becomes what it was always meant to be: a practice of coming home to yourself—on your terms, in your body, with your nervous system honored.

Ready to Go Deeper?

If you’d like practical tools, language examples, and class resources for supporting neurodivergent students, I’ve created a set of downloads for yoga teachers. Inside you’ll find: