GREECE - Yoga for Children and Teens (Autism, Neurodiversity & Diverse Needs) LEVEL 1 - September 2026
Gain the knowledge and confidence to teach yoga to children and teens with diverse needs!
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Yoga for Children and Teens (Autism, Neurodiversity and Diverse Needs) Level 1 training offers fun and effective strategies for teaching yoga and mindfulness to children with diverse brains, bodies and abilities.
Dates: September 11-13, 2026 (East European Time Zone)
May 15th: 9am-5:30pm
May 16th: 9am-5:30pm
May 17th: 9am-5:00pm
Location: Athens Greece - Flower Kids Yoga
Unable to attend in person? OPTION TO JOIN via LIVE ZOOM - Zoom link will be provided prior to the start of the training.
Address: Ydras 3, Kallithea, Athens, 17676
Where do I stay? There are many AIRBNB options in the area near the studio
Registration Cost:
550 EURO - Early Bird Pricing (plus tax - 132.00 EURO)
Early Bird Deadline AUGUST 1st, 2026
650 EURO (plus tax- 156.00 EURO) following
Register Below
Contact XRISTINA MATSI with any questions if you are a Non-US resident.
Please note registration for the course is non-refundable for any and all reasons. By registering for and paying for the course you are acknowledging that there will be no refunds given. Should there be a conflict with timing you will have the option to transfer to a future online course for a $50 rescheduling fee. Full tuition for the training must be paid in order to transfer to a future course.
*After April 19th there is not an option to transfer and deposit or full payment will be forfeited.
Should the training be cancelled for attendance reasons or unexpected circumstances, you will have the option to transfer your payment to an online course or get a full refund.
It is suggested that participants purchase refundable travel and accommodations should any unexpected circumstances arise. We will not be responsible for any cancellation fees for travel or accommodations should the training have to be cancelled for any/all reasons.
Attendance in all 3 days of the training is required for completion of the Level 1 Certificate.
Participants will learn tools to support children ages 5-17 with self-regulation, body awareness, interoception, social skills, expression of difficult emotions, language and communication, social skills, reducing anxiety and much much more!
Learn strategies, supports and modifications to teach yoga and mindfulness to children including Autism, ADD/ADHD, Down Syndrome, Prader Willi, Williams Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Sensory Integration difficulties, Language Processing difficulties, Developmental Delays, Limited Mobility, Learning difficulties Anxiety, Trauma, Behavioral Challenges and more!
- Yoga Teachers
- Pediatric Physical Therapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Speech Therapists
- Behavior Specialists
- Mental Health Practitioners
- Educators
- School Psychologists
- Social Workers
- Therapists
- Pediatric or School Nurses
- Parents
- A.P.E/P.E Teachers
- Anyone who is passionate about sharing the benefits of yoga and mindfulness with children of all abilities!
Participants Receive:
- A copy of the Book: Asanas for Autism and Special Needs - Yoga to Help Children with their Emotions, Self Regulation and Body Awareness
- Playful and compassionate connection with like-minded community.
- Comprehensive Course Manual and Book - Asanas for Autism and Special Needs - Yoga to Support Children with their Emotions, Self-Regulation and Body Awareness
- 20% off the C.A.L.M.M Yoga Toolkit
- Hours packed full of Learning, Yoga Lesson Plans, Games, Songs, Mudras, Mantras, Chants, Stories and Activities.
- Anatomy and Physiology, Precautions and Contraindications related to children with special needs.
- Creative, Fun and Safe suggestions for Asanas (physical poses), Pranayama (breathing strategies) and relaxation and mindfulness activities.
- Suggestions for Props, Modifications, Adaptations, Tools and Supports to meet the needs of diverse cognitive and physical abilities.
- Chair Yoga for "yoga breaks" and for children with physical limitations.
- Positive Behavior Strategies
- Understanding the Nervous System, Fight/Flight/Freeze and the impact of unmanaged stress.
- Strategies and tools to support social/emotional learning and improved mental and physical health and well-being.
- Trauma Sensitive Approach.
- Poses and Breathing Strategies to support Self-regulation, Sensory Processing and Expressing/Releasing Difficult Emotions.
- Suggestions for how to structure classes and lesson plans for groups with diverse needs.
THIS COURSE IS IN PERSON IN ATHENS, GREECE OR VIA LIVE ZOOM. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE COURSE IN GREECE THERE IS AN ONLINE COURSE SCHEDULED IN OCTOBER 2026. SEE DETAILS
Course Curriculum
Benefits of Yoga for Children with Diverse Needs
- Common Challenges
Sensory Processing and the 8 Senses
- Vestibular System
- Proprioceptive System
- Interoception
- Crossing the Midline
- Self-regulation
Body Awareness
- Visuals
- Tapping
- Songs, Games & Activities
- Right/Left
Asanas/Yoga Poses
- Categories of Poses and Contraindications
- Calming Poses and Variations
- Energizing Poses and Variations
- Chair Poses
- Poses for Vestibular Input
- Poses for Proprioceptive Input
- Poses for Crossing and Coming to the Midline
- Poses for Core-Strengthening
- Motor Planning and Bi-lateral Coordination - Accessing both sides of the body
- Practice Teaching
Supporting Complex Needs
- Adaptations, Modifications and Contraindications for Specific Needs
- Children with Cerebral Palsy
- Children with Down Syndrome and Prader Willi
- Children with Autism and ADHD
- Hypermobility and Low/High Tone
- Hyperactive/High Arousal
- Motor Apraxia, Speech Apraxia and Dyspraxia
Breathing Strategies and Visualization Strategies
- Autonomic Nervous System - Fight/Flight/Freeze Response
- Calming (down-regulating) Breathing Strategies
- Energizing/Alerting (up-regulating) Breathing Strategies
- Releasing Difficult Emotions through the Breath
- Sensory/Self-Regulation
- Digestion
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Core Activation
- Cause/Effect Breathing Activities/Tools
Guided Imagery, Visualization and Meditation for Children
- Meditation/Concentration Activities
- Chants and Sounds
- Mudras
Yoga Games and Activities
- Developing Yoga Based Lesson Plans
- Structuring Yoga Class by Age and Stage of Development
- Yoga Games and Activities
Behavior Management
- Effective Strategies for Teaching and Reaching Children with Special Needs
Your Instructor
Shawnee Thornton Hardy is a yoga therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Ayurvedic wellness guide, and somatic touch facilitator. She is the founder of Embodied WellBeing Yoga Therapy, Asanas for Autism and Special Needs, and Yoga Therapy for Youth, and brings over three decades of experience working with diverse populations across all ages and stages of life. Her work is devoted to supporting children, teens, and young adults with neurodivergence, sensory processing differences, and complex needs—while also guiding the professionals who care for them. She is deeply passionate about helping individuals reconnect with their inner child through her trainings and offerings, supporting healing, play, and a return to authenticity.
With a deeply integrative and somatic approach, Shawnee weaves together yoga therapy, sensory integration, Polyvagal-informed practices, Somatic Experiencing, and embodied awareness to support regulation, resilience, and authentic expression. Her work is rooted in the understanding that behavior is communication, and that healing happens through safety, connection, and the body.
Shawnee is the creator of the C.A.L.M.M. Yoga Toolkit and Body Sensations Curriculum, and the author of Asanas for Autism and Special Needs and Yoga Therapy for Children and Teens with Complex Needs. She leads trainings and workshops internationally and serves as faculty for yoga therapy programs, mentoring practitioners in developing compassionate, inclusive, and effective approaches. She has been featured in numerous magazines, online publications, and podcasts.
Her teaching is both practical and deeply human—bridging science, lived experience, and heart-centered care. The root of her teachings is inclusion and accessibility. Through her courses, Shawnee invites you into a way of working that honors the nervous system, respects individuality, and supports meaningful, lasting change.
See her Website Here