A study was conducted to explore the feasibility of using yoga therapy to assist children who are mentally challenged. 21 teachers and 63 mentally challenged children (from 3 centres in Chennai) were selected on the basis of age, I.Q. and lack of symptoms of serious hearing or visual problems. They were of the age group 8-16 years and with an IQ above 40. The teachers were given yoga classes for 1 hour a day, twice a week for 2 months. The children were taught under individual supervision, everyday for 75 days. The workability and suitability of postures and techniques were established by KYM and Vijay Human Services. Various teaching strategies were employed and the teaching methodology incorporated appropriate reinforcement, individualized instructions, imitation, demonstration, peer reinforcement, goal planning, activity guidance, visual monitoring, reminder charts, so on. Similarly, according to the individual needs different asana or modifications in asana were also given. The Minnesota Developmental Programming Systems behavioral scale was used for assessing before and after training. Significant alterations were found in the measurements. Students had fewer tendencies to be distracted than before the courses were given. Their behavioral skills improved in the expected areas, and in other areas as well. It was also found that a minimum training of 20 hours in asana is necessary for the educators so as to able to teach the children. It was also observed that yoga had produced significant changes on the teachers as well. This contributed considerably to their confidence in teaching. Yoga had also produced significant changes in the health of the teachers. This study substantiates the positive effect of yoga on children who are mentally challenged.

(Published as a teaching manual in 1988. Currently out of print)