“They may struggle with social communication, with social behavior, and with focusing on the task at hand. For example, trying to do their schoolwork, they may become very distracted by things in their environment. A lot of kids with autism have for example, sensory issues, so you know a tag in the back of the shirt may bother them to the point where they can’t even focus on what they’re trying to do,” Genova explained.
She found that teaching children with autism how to focus on the moment and the breathing patterns associated with mindfulness helped reduce anxiety, improve impulse control, and focus, without the need for medication and its side effects.
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“It forces you to bring all of your attention to the present moment. It forces you to stop, to pause, take a breath. Think of how you’re feeling right now, why you’re feeling that way. What’s happening in your body? And by bringing your awareness to the present moment, it actually has really wonderful effects on reducing stress,” she added.