More about me
My background is working with autistic children and adults including over 20 years in front-line Social Work and as a Chief Executive Officer with an Autism charity in Scotland. In 2017 after many years of yoga practice, I became a Registered Yoga Teacher confirmed by the Yoga Alliance Professionals.
Based on these experiences, I have developed ‘Nurture Yoga with Donna Nelson’ focussed on delivering individual and group sessions and tutoring others, in a wide variety of settings including; conferences, in local primary and secondary schools (and teaching yoga for stress relief to staff).
I am a SUP (Stand Up Paddle) Boarding Yoga Teacher for children and adults with Special Needs, Autism and ADHD.
I am passionate about the benefits yoga can give to individuals with autism. The 1:1 sessions and group sessions I have delivered are ‘Yin’ based on an overall calming approach with a mix of pranayama (breathing), asana (gentle posture practice), mindfulness (grounding and being present) and savasana (guided relaxation).
More about my workshops
These are more theory based allowing parents and fellow professionals to take some of the strategies and principles that I teach back into their homes or workplaces to experience for themselves the benefits of yoga. This is based on my ©‘Nurture Yoga’ classes that I teach to autistic children, young people and adults. I believe that when presented in a way that is safe and accessible, yoga can offer tremendous benefits to autistic children and adults. As a result of the difficulties in body awareness and struggles with motor coordination and gross motor skills which are common in autistic people, yoga can be an effective tool for reconnecting them to their bodies, supporting balance, coordination, bilateral movement, and strength. In addition, yoga can also add to their flexibility, and muscle endurance. It can enhance focus, concentration and reduce anxiety, impulse, and negative behaviours.
I'm passionate about the benefits that yoga can bring to individuals and groups.
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I am a Signatory of Scotland's Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport.