Murdoch University PhD candidate Tundi Loftus believes yoga is a powerful tool in managing anxiety symptoms experienced by autistic children – so much so that she has dedicated her research to testing the theory.
Tundi is trialling a purpose-designed novel yoga intervention that she hopes will “help change the narrative of interventions for autistic children”.
While interventions are often aimed at addressing symptoms of autism, Tundi said many autistic individuals didn’t want to change these traits, and instead required support with other symptoms they may experience – such as anxiety.
“With over 80 per cent of autistic children experiencing symptoms of anxiety, it is important to provide them with a lasting strategy to reduce these to enhance their quality of life,” Tundi said.
Having worked with autistic children for years, Tundi said she experienced firsthand the need for support in the space.
For her PhD, Tundi has co-designed a novel yoga intervention to meet the specific needs of autistic children.
“The co-designed nature of the intervention means we have consulted with key stakeholders, including autistic children, their families and clinicians,” she said.
This intervention differs from existing strategies because it has been “built from the ground up” to meet specific needs.
Recently, Tundi spoke to 9 News Perth to share her hopes for the upcoming Randomised Controlled Trial of her research, telling reporter Brittany Hoskins that the desired result would be an effective intervention which could be used in multiple settings.
This would mean that not only would children be able to practice the yoga techniques in the home, school and clinics – but it would be an affordable strategy for families to integrate into their lives.
Tundi is currently recruiting for her research trial, and families of autistic children are encouraged to engage and sign on.
More information can be found by emailing autismlab@murdoch.edu.au.