Samantha Carlson, 9, typically goes a mile a minute. But after just two months of practicing yoga, the girl with special needs has learned to calm down.

Carlson is one of many people with special needs finding that the stretching and breathing techniques of yoga are helping them relax and gain focus. For Carlson, who has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and epilepsy, that means being able to concentrate on homework longer and gaining a positive sense of self-worth, her mother says.

The trick to yoga is learning to connect mind and body through deep breathing and stretching, experts say. For people with special needs, the practice helps improve physical and mental strength and can be useful for people with autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy and learning disabilities, among others, reports The (Spokane, Wash.) Spokesman-Review. To read more click here.

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