Family yoga helps us find balance in life with AADC deficiency

As parents of a child with aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency, my wife, Judy, and I have learned that balance is something we must constantly work to find. Between therapies, school, and everyday responsibilities, our family’s schedule can fill up quickly, leaving little room to breathe.

Over the years, we’ve found creative ways to help our daughter, Rylae-Ann, move, grow, and enjoy life. One of the most meaningful has been yoga.

We first introduced yoga at home through online videos. It began as a form of play. As the video played, we stretched, bent over, and giggled together on the living room floor. For Rylae-Ann, yoga encouraged her to move her body, improve her coordination, and explore what she was capable of. For Judy and me, it was a joyful way to connect as a family while nurturing our daughter’s physical and emotional development.

Recently, however, we decided to take our practice further. We booked a family trip to Soul Resort, a holistic retreat nestled in the lush hills of Thailand’s Saraburi province, just a few hours north of Bangkok. Serene karst mountains and thick jungle surround Soul Resort. It is home to a famous Thai temple, a guru, and plenty of monks donned in orange robes. It’s the kind of place where time seems to slow down. Where birdsongs replace phone notifications, and the scent of lemongrass and rain fills the air.

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Soulful sanctuary

When we arrived, we decided as a family to lock away our phones and iPad. Judy did keep a digital camera on hand to capture moments, but no screens, no distractions. It was just us.

Rylae-Ann, an early riser by nature, helped set the pace for our days. Mornings began with a healthy breakfast of fresh fruit, yogurt, and herbal tea, followed by a professional yoga session led by a gentle but disciplined instructor.

Rylae-Ann poses for a photo after her hourlong yoga session. (Courtesy of Richard E. Poulin III)

At first, we weren’t sure how Rylae-Ann would handle the hourlong class. The other participants were adults, focused and serious about their practice. Yet, as soon as the session began, she quietly found her space on the mat. For the next 60 minutes, she did her best to follow every movement. As Judy and I focused on our movements, from the corner of our eye we saw Rylae-Ann stretching her arms toward the thatched hut roof, balancing in tree pose, and flowing through the sequences with determination.

We watched in awe as she remained engaged throughout the session. When it ended, we half-expected her to say she was tired or didn’t want to go again. Instead, her face lit up. “Yoga tomorrow?” she asked eagerly.

And so, yoga became the heart of our daily routine at Soul Resort. Every morning, we practiced together in silence, cultivating not only our poses but also our patience and focus. In the afternoons, we explored the jungle trails, walked among the limestone mountains, and visited serene temples where monks meditated in peace. When the day grew warm, we cooled off in the pool, feeling the weight of worry slowly melt away.

For Judy and me, this retreat wasn’t just a getaway. It was a gentle reminder of how important it is to care for ourselves as caregivers. Living the caregiver lifestyle means constantly adapting, sacrificing, and giving. But to sustain that love and energy, we must also refill our own cup.

At Soul Resort, we found that balance again in the stillness of a sunrise yoga class, in the laughter of our daughter’s newfound confidence, and in the quiet moments of reflection between us.

Maintaining mindfulness

When we returned home to Bangkok, we brought that mindfulness with us. We’ve continued our yoga mornings on the weekend, not as a luxury, but as a necessity. It is a promise to ourselves to nurture our physical and emotional well-being.

For other parents and caregivers, our message is simple: Your health matters, too. Taking time to restore your mind and body isn’t selfish. It’s an act of love that benefits your whole family. Whether it’s a yoga class, a walk in nature, or a few quiet minutes to breathe, remember to honor your own needs along the caregiving journey.

During our family retreat, we were reminded that healing doesn’t only happen in hospitals or therapy rooms. Sometimes it begins on a yoga mat, in the fresh air, surrounded by those we love most.

Note: AADC News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of AADC News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency.