Yoga4Autism.com

Yoga4Autism

How to unleash YOUR Full Potential!

Yoga4Autism.com

Who I AM

• Hi, I am David Ellams BSc(Hons) and I am the founder & Managing Director of Yoga4Autism and NextGen Software Ltd.

• I was given the labels of Dyspraxia, Aspergers & Dyslexia.

• Diagnosed with Dyspraxia as a child but did not find out about this till I was 18 at University.

• Diagnosed with Aspergers about 6 years ago now.

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In the beginning...• Had a very hard life with little or no support for people with Dyspraxia, Aspergers, etc.• Bullied excessively at school and into adulthood. • Always felt like an outcast and never fitted in anywhere...• Constantly mis-understood and could not express or articulate myself.• Had a speech impediment, stuttered and mumbled a lot, could not pronounce my words properly.• Very poor hand eye co-ordination and fine motor skills (clumsy child syndrome).• Had severe anxiety issues, depression, anger, sleep problems such as insomnia, very low self esteem and

confidence.• Had very poor social and communication skills with very little social awareness.• Suffered from OCD and ADHD.• Really didn’t understand this crazy mixed up world!• Really struggled in social interaction, could not read body language or filter out background noise. It was

sensory overload hearing everything and every conversation at once so was like the swimming pool effect, resulting in me just shutting down and not being able to join in any conversation.

• I also did not know when to start and end a conversation and could not summarise, I always gave all the details whether they wanted to hear them or not...

• Thought the world was nuts and I just felt like I didn’t belong here...• Felt really alone...

Yoga4Autism.com

A new hope....• Due to the bullying and finding social interactions almost impossible I focused on

my academic studies at School and excelled at Maths, Science and any technical subjects such as Computers, etc...

• This is one of the many gifts of people on the spectrum is that they normally excel at Maths, Science, Computers & Technical Subjects...

• We tend to find complex things easy and simple things (such as social interaction or shopping) hard.

• Although I went to a below average public school I got really good grades and A-Levels in Maths, Science & Economics securing my place at Plymouth University.

• I graduated with a 1st class honours degree in Computing & Informatics, a business computing consultancy degree. I came top of my class in all technical subjects. The degree was rated as the hardest the University offered and the School of Computing was rated 5th best in the country by The Times newspaper.

• It also helped me come out of my shell and started talking and interacting more, before I barely spoke.

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Top of my field

• After graduating I worked for over 10 years with or for all the big names in the industry such as Nokia, Microsoft, News International, etc...

• I became the top of my field as Nokia themselves claimed by saying I was the best contractor they had ever seen. I was the only one taken on with only a telephone interview!

• Was part of the team who developed the Music app on Nokia Windows Phones as well as improving their GPS code making it more efficient.

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But the problems remained...• Unfortunately most of my problems and symptoms

remained such as anxiety, depression, anger issues, low self esteem and confidence as well as sleep issues including insomnia.

• I then turned all of my abilities and resources inwards working hard to better myself and resolve my many issues...

• I tried everything I could find including counselling, anger management, course after course...

• All the GP’s could do was prescribed antidepressants and anxiety tablets, but unfortunately these were not the answer...

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Then one day a miracle happened...

• I discovered yoga! Along with mindfulness and meditation, all of which help turn my life around in the most AMAZING way!

• It helped to manage my symptoms, which just melted away...• If I stopped these then I start to regress and my symptoms start

to return...• I am still working on my verbal communication skills, which is

why I film every talk I do and upload it to my Aspie Video Journey/Journal section of the Yoga4Autism website, so over time we can hopefully see an improvement...

• I still have a little social anxiety when doing these presentations but is slowly getting easier and easier...

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Yoga4Autism was born!

• I wanted to help others on the spectrum live happy fulfilling life's to their FULL potential without any limitations, so I created Yoga4Autism in Jan 2013.

• We address the causes with healthy natural methods such as yoga, mindfulness & meditation rather than cover up the symptoms with mind numbing drugs such as been the way in the past.

• These are good for EVERYONE!

Yoga4Autism.com

What we offer...• Classes to suit all needs of all ages

including other Special Needs...

• - Sensory Yoga- Story Telling- BICS (Breathing, Imagination, Colour & Sound)- Mindfulness- Meditation- Pranayama- Mudras- Asanas.- Neuro-sensory Integration using rhythmic movement and sound.- Parents and carers to come along to

help bond with their child or person they are caring for.- Nature awareness- Nutrition- Exercise- Healthy Living Coaching- 100% NATURAL & GOOD FOR EVERYONE’S HEALTH- Social awareness & skill integration,- Education and Integration.

- FREE Yoga4Autism Smartphone Apps (worth £11.11 each)

Yoga4Autism.com

What we offer...- FREE Insiders Guide To Autism (worth £11.11)- FREE Daily Coping Strategy Guide (worth £11.11)- FREE Calming and Meditation CD (worth £11.11)- FREE Home Yoga Video (worth £11.11)- FREE Home Yoga Posture Cards- FREE Yoga4Autism Customizable Merchandise

- FREE Home Yoga for Bedtime (aides sleep) Video (worth £11.11)

- FREE membership to our upcoming online support network (Autism Friendly Social Networking & More!)

- FREE support/mentoring/counselling/therapy service (coming soon...)

- AUTISM/SPECIAL NEEDS JOBS/WORK EXPERIENCE - FREE NextGen Developer Training Programme (donation basis) and a job offer at the end of it.

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Just some of the benefits...• Reduction of pain.• Reduction of aggression.• Reduction of obsessive and self-

stimulatory behaviours.• Reduction of anxiety.• More control in regulating

anxiety and emotions.• The joy of sharing classes with

others and making new friends.• Building of social skills,

awareness and reduction of social anxiety.

• An Increase in confidence and self esteem.

• Improves fine motor skills• Improves spacial awareness.• Improves muscle tone.• Improves strength.• Improves flexibility.• Improves balance & co-

ordination.• Improves Neuro-sensory

Integration and coordination.

Yoga4Autism.com

Just some of the benefits...• Improves head, neck and upper trunk control.• Promotes calmness and peace of mind.• Improves spine and organ health.• Improves self-awareness (both body & mind).• Developing the ability to self regulate across environments and demands.• Developing ability to relax and release tension, fear & frustration.• Reducing stress reaction and improve resilience.• Improves both quality and quantity of sleep.• Improves respiratory ability and capacity.• Improves immune function.• Improves focus & concentration.• Enhances a sense of emotional balance.• Helps them to express their emotions more effectively.• Find their personal freedom.• Live longer!

Yoga4Autism.com

The Global Yoga4Autism Franchise

• We offer affordable Yoga Teacher training across the country so they can open a branch in their local area.

• This way we can help as many people on the spectrum and special needs live happy fulfilling life’s to their FULL potential without any limitations!

• We plan to also expand across the globe so we can help even more people...

Yoga4Autism.com

Schools, Colleges, Care Homes, Communities etc

• We also offer yoga for Schools, Colleges, Care Homes & Communities across the country and soon the world...

• I also offer a message of hope, and inspiring & empowering talks, a bit like the one I am doing right NOW!

Yoga4Autism.com

One on One

• We offer one on one sessions for those who are unable to make it to a class where we can tailor the session to suit the individual needs.

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Out Reach

• We can also give you the convenience of coming out to you in your local area. So if you can find a group of parents or carers in your area who would be interested in a Y4A class then please do get in touch. We can then find and arrange a venue in your area to host a class.

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Yoga 4 Parents & Carers

• We also offer yoga for parents and carers to help them bond with their child/person they care for.

• This also helps them to de-stress and unwind after a hard day.

• They can also reap the many benefits of yoga, which is good for EVERYONE! :)

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Honary Patron: Anna Kennedy OBE

• We are proud to say that our honary patron is Anna Kennedy OBE.

• Won many rewards including Tesco Mum of The year reward and of course been awarded the OBE by the Queen!

• Also met many celebrities and the Prime Minister David Cameron.

• Very well known in the Autism circles and has done an amazing job spreading autism awareness, so well done Anna, keep up the good work, we are behind you every step of the way!

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It is a gift, not a disorder!

• Autism is a gift, not a disorder as the world would try to make you believe.

• There is no cure because there is nothing wrong with us.

• Bill Gates, Einstein, Newton & Edison all had or have Aspergers.

• You are more than just the label of Aspergers, inside we are all the same and more powerful than you could possibly imagine...

Yoga4Autism.com

You can’t put people in a box

• Society needs to be more flexible, you cant apply rigid rules to everyone because everyone is unique, you can’t put everyone in a box.

• Cant have the same rule for everyone, can’t apply NT behaviour rules to ND people.

• Life is dynamic, flowing and organic and thus society needs to model this or there will always be problems...

• People on the spectrum are here to teach people how to get out of their box...

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Time to stop discriminating...

• First people were discriminated against because of sex, religion, nationality, the colour of their skin, etc

• Now it is because they process information and interact with the world differently.

• Doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with them, they need to be accepted for who they are.

• We do not need to change, it is the world that needs to change to accept people for who they are.

Yoga4Autism.com

Autistic Spectrum Diversity (ASD)• Definition of Diversity

“The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual.”

• Couldn’t say it better myself!

Yoga4Autism.com

Observing Consciously Details (OCD)

• Again this is not a disorder, it is attention to detail and focus, top qualities employers wish to see in their employees which is why people on the spectrum would make excellent employees as I once did! ;-)

• You could say people who are obsessed over money have OCD as most of the business world and most people are these days...

• The same could also be said about people obsessing over their looks, their weight, their social status, etc.

• Plus there are many more! It is all down to what society deems as things that are ok to obsess about and others that are not, they are then ladled as odd and have OCD pinned to them as if there is something wrong with them.

• Again, it is society that needs to change, not the other way round...

Yoga4Autism.com

Lack Empathy?!• I am currently battling to see my 4 year old daughter again, after not

seeing her for over 2.5 years now. They are discriminating against me saying I am not fit to be a father due to the label of Aspergers which was given to me.

• I love her more than life itself and would do anything in the world for her. Another reason why I am doing these projects is to make a better world for her to grow up in so she does not have to suffer and go through what I have been through...

• A so called “expert” did a report on me and said I did not have any empathy due to being on the spectrum. The report was not about me as an individual but as a generic label given for people with Aspegrers.

• We are all individuals and unique just like Neural Typical people are.

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Lack Empathy?!• I would say I have way more empathy than the person who

wrote the report due to me working selflessly on Yoga4Autism and NextGen Software trying to help as many people live happy fulfilling life’s to their full potential without any limitations, just as I do now.

• I even burnt out a year ago with chronic fatigue/adrenal fatigue/exhaustion. and was really ill lying in my bed for a year not being able to walk or talk from being too selfless putting everyone else's needs before my own. I am still recovering from this, it can take years to fully recover, but here I am still trying to help others, I would say that's way above average empathy...

• I have now learnt to balance my needs with others.

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Relationships are a minefield!• If you think relationships and finding someone is hard then

you should try being on the spectrum! Its a minefield...• Blokes are known not to always be able to read the signs

properly, this is massively amplified for someone on the spectrum.

• People who have been interested in me lose interest when they discover I am on the spectrum.

• What really hurts is how you are judged even before you are given a chance...

• Everyone needs to be treated equally and given a chance and not go by what society says or judges.

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Social Communication

• Talking like branches of a tree.• Learning to summarise...• Knowing when to start and end a conversation.• If cant say something in a conversation it builds

and builds until it explodes out.• Rule based social interaction does not work, too

many variables, not enough constants!• We have a tech chip instead of the social chip NT

people have.

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There’s a little Autism in Everyone...

• Everyone has a little Autism in them...• There are a lot of people who report having a

number of the Autistic traits, but everyone has these to varying degrees of intensity.

• Most people in IT are on the spectrum one way or another!

• This reinforces the point I made earlier that we are all the same inside and have a lot more in common than people think...

Yoga4Autism.com

Some of the many positive traits...• Highly creative• Highly analytical• Way above average intelligence• Determination• Honesty• Loyal• Encyclopaedia of knowledge.• Normally excel at Maths, Science, Computers & Technical

Subjects...• Find complex things easy and simple things hard.

Yoga4Autism.com

Things that help...

• Being in nature (barefoot walking even better!)

• Healthy food. • Calming relaxing music.• Exercise such as swimming.• Deep breathing.• And of course the most effective is.... YOGA!

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Things to avoid...• Alcohol• Drugs (both pharmaceutical and non pharmaceutical such as weed, etc)• Short term gain, long term pain or short term paid long term gain.• Need to face your fears and feel your emotions to heal them, not run

from them!• F.E.A.R = F**k Everything And Run becomes Face Everything And

Recover...• Caffeine (your already hyper enough!) • Sugar• Pollution if possible.• Much more in the Daily Coping Strategy Guide and Insiders Guide To

Autism coming soon...

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How I have been using Yoga to heal myself...

• I have also been using yoga to recover from burn out/chronic fatigue when I was working too hard and selflessly on Yoga4Autism. I was working 14+ hour days contracting to fund Yoga4Autism and then working every evening and weekend on Yoga4Autism.

• I eventually crashed and collapsed and spent a year in bed not being able to walk or talk. I needed to learn to walk again and slowly but surely rebuild my muscles, which yoga has been excellent at doing!

• It has also been good at re-energizing me, keeping me calm and positive.

• It has also been helping me to sleep.

Yoga4Autism.com

The Power of NOW

• Why worry about the past you cannot change or a future that might not happen. Live in the here and now, the only true moment that exists.

• Resistance to what is causes suffering, why resist what is? You cannot change it so you might as well accept it.

• Highly recommend The Power of NOW book by Eckhart Tolle, this book along with yoga help change and save my life...

Yoga4Autism.com

Autism Jobs & Work Experience FREE Training Course brought to you by NextGen Software Ltd

• Teach everything I know for FREE! • No previous skills or experience required.• Help design and develop apps, games & websites which will help make peoples life’s better and make the world a

better place...• Offered a job or work placement at the end of it...• Work on what you want to work on.• Work the hours to suit you...• Real world commercial experience• Earn while you learn.• Enlightened Programming Methodology (Balanced Healthy Lifestyle)• Help your local community, country & economy.• Create your own projects.• Work with next generation technology.• Flat Management Structure• FREE Daily fruit• FREE Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner• FREE Yoga, meditation and mindfulness sessions.

Yoga4Autism.com

Autism Jobs & Work Experience FREE Training Course brought to you by NextGen Software Ltd

• We help fine and hone your own unique gifts and talents.• Rewards & Incentives• Courses tailored to suit your needs enabling you to unleash your FULL potential!• State of the art teaching & learning techniques.• Flexible modules – Do what you want to do.• Work from Home.• No time restrictions – fit around your life, not the other way around.• Healthy Living Training• We have experience of working with all the big names.• No stressful Performance Reviews.• Minimal amount of time wasting meetings.• No unrealistic deadlines.• Offered a job, placement or work experience at the end of it!• Plus lots more! Please see http://www.Yoga4Autism.com or http://www.nextgensoftware.co.uk

websites for more info where you can download a info pack...• http://www.nextgensoftware.co.uk/downloads/NextGen_Developers_FREE_Training_Programme.pdf

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Autism Jobs & Work Experience FREE Training Course & Some of the benefits...

• Empowers & inspires you to be your own boss.• Helps you to release your imagination and creativity.• Unleash your FULL potential!• Makes you believe in yourself again.• Increases confidence and self esteem.• Improves social and communication skills.• Builds team working skills.• Improves time keeping and organisation skills.• Improves planning skills.• Improves concentration and focus levels.• Improves self worth.• Very relaxed and friendly down to earth working atmosphere.• Every voice is heard, and everyone is treated equally.• Treat you as a human being, not a resource! • We want you to succeed! • Help you grow and develop.

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NextGen Software Offices.

• Training course has yoga, mindfulness and meditation built into it.

• NextGen Software offices will be based above our own Yoga4Autism sensory studio.

• So whenever you feel like you need a break you can do some yoga, meditation, etc.

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Funding Desperately Needed!

• We desperately need funding to help keep Y4A going and to allow it to expand to help as many people on the spectrum and special needs live happy fulfilling life’s to their FULL potential without any limitations...

• Please donate on our website via our crowd funding page, it would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Yoga4Autism.com

Fundraising Feel Good Wellbeing Retreats & Workshops For Everyone

• One of our ideas to raise much needed funds for Y4A is our amazing Feel Good Wellbeing retreats and workshops.

• Feel good and unleash your FULL potential and live a happy balanced life without any limitations. We give you wings so you can soar through life free and powerful.

• These are for everyone and are unique and offer much more than you will find anywhere else...

• These include yoga, guided meditation, mindfulness training, healing, detox, massage, life coaching, counselling, readings, reiki, organic facials, hopi ear, crystal healing, music therapy, massage lessons, healthy recipes lessons hula hoop lessons, cooking lessons, nutrition advice, free apps & games and so much more!

• Please check out the website below for more info: http://www.feelgoodwellbeing.com

Yoga4Autism.com

A message of LOVE & Unity• When we are asked what the secret to our success is, we will answer

with one word... LOVE! • If we all started coming together and working as ONE, coming from our

hearts instead of our minds the world would transform over night.• If we put our differences aside and instead of wasting our resources

fighting each other and came together and put them into one central pot, think how much more we could accomplish together?

• We are ONE race & ONE world.• We need to stop dividing everything up, compartamising and thinking

we are separate from everything else, we are all part of the same whole, we are ONE.

• As my good friend Jimmy Lemmon once said... “Imagine all the people living as ONE...”

Yoga4Autism.com

Never give up!• Never give up, you can achieve your dreams, you just

have to keep believing, as I did and now look where I am.

• Things do get easier, believe me! ;-)• Remember, no matter what labels people throw at

you, only you can define yourself.• Together we can build a better world... A world

where everyone is doing yoga...

Yoga4Autism.com

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• If you are looking for problems then you will find problems.

• Focusing on what they cannot do rather than what they can do.

• Add website to footer...• Baby born and hung upside down and

slapped!

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• Right hand brain stimulation apps & games.• TED and Yes Group Talks...• Propana sense?