Yoga For Adults With Autism: Feasibility And Health Impacts Of A Community-based Program

BACKGROUND: Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at increased risk for mental and physical health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Research on interventions to support well-being in this population is limited. Yoga may enhance physical, mental, and emotional health, but its feasibility and effects for adults with ASD are not well-established. PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility of a community-based yoga intervention for adults with ASD and evaluate preliminary impacts on mental, emotional, and physical health. Methods: Eight adults with ASD (age = 36.9 ± 13.1 years, 37.5% female, 25% non-binary, 87.5% White, BMI = 28.7 ± 2.6 kg/m2) participated in weekly 60-minute yoga sessions led by a certified instructor at a disability-focused studio for 10 weeks. Attendance, instructor fidelity, and participant adherence were monitored. Health outcomes were measured at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention, including flourishing scores, resting blood pressure and heart rate, physical activity levels, and PROMIS Global Health scores. Trends across time points were analyzed using linear mixed models. RESULTS: The program demonstrated high feasibility, with an average attendance of 83.75% (range: 62.5-100%) and 100% retention. Instructor fidelity averaged 98.5% (range: 96.83-100%), and participant adherence was 100% when present. Preliminary trends showed improvements in flourishing (β = 1.88, 95% CI: -1.89-5.64; Cohen’s d = 0.46), reductions in mean resting blood pressure (β = -2.38, 95% CI: -7.10-2.35; Cohen’s d = -0.46), and decreases in resting heart rate (β = -5.25, 95% CI: -14.91-4.41; Cohen’s d = -0.50), suggesting potential benefits. No significant differences were observed in self-report measures for PROMIS Global Health scores. CONCLUSION: This study supports the feasibility of a community-based yoga program for adults with ASD, with strong adherence, retention, and positive health trends. Further research with larger samples is recommended. Supported by: University of Pittsburgh Momentum Funds