Breathe. Move. Connect. Shawnee Thornton Hardy on Healing Through Yoga
Episode 4: Breathe. Move. Connect. Shawnee Thornton Hardy on Healing Through Yoga
What’s Inside This Episode
What’s Inside This Episode
In this heart-led conversation, Erin reconnects with Shawnee Thornton Hardy—founder of Asanas for Autism and Special Needs—to talk about the intersection of yoga, neurodiversity, and trauma-educated care. With over three decades of experience, Shawnee shares how her journey from special education to yoga therapy evolved into a worldwide movement of mindfulness, movement, and deep nervous system support. They unpack the difference between trauma-informed and trauma-educated, the unique sensory-motor needs of neurodivergent youth, and how true inclusion starts with embodied awareness. This episode is a must-listen for anyone supporting kids and teens through connection, not correction.
Episode Highlights
This week we talk about:
How Shawnee’s background in special education led to the creation of Asanas for Autism and Special Needs
The distinction between trauma-informed and trauma-educated approaches
Understanding the sensory-motor needs of neurodivergent youth
The role of yoga in supporting emotional regulation and body awareness
Strategies for fostering inclusion through embodied practices
The importance of connecting with children through movement and mindfulness
Connect with Shawnee
Guest Links
🔗 Follow her on Instagram → @asanasforautismandspecialneeds
🔗 Check out the Website → Asanas for Autism & Special Needs
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