Classical Autogenic Training can be effectively utilised as a learning aid for children in primary school, teenagers, and young adults. Extensive research in this field, particularly involving students from Canada and Japan, has provided significant insights.

**Children**

Children as young as seven can begin practising autogenic training, provided they comprehend and apply the concepts. However, exercises may require modifications for younger children, who might struggle with the concept of ‘warmth’ during abdominal exercises. Offloading exercises are also beneficial for children with behavioural challenges at school or home. A comprehensive study conducted in Canadian schools with children aged between eight and ten revealed numerous positive effects, observed by children, parents, and teachers alike:

• Improvement in eating and sleeping patterns.

• Reduction in irritability, moodiness, and crying.

• Decrease in hostile and unsociable behaviour

• Enhancement of relationships with peers and adults.

• Increased participation in play, group activities, and classwork.

• Improved homework quality and academic performance.

• Better attention and concentration.

• Improved behaviour both at home and school.

• Enhanced exam results.

Moreover, the general health of children involved in the study improved, with fewer complaints of psycho-somatic pain such as headaches and stomach aches. There was notable progress in children dealing with stuttering, nervous tics, or bedwetting. Asthmatic children also experienced fewer asthma attacks. The children found the process easy and enjoyable, leading to significant improvements in their overall well-being. The modified approach to CAT is highly recommended as it serves as a preventive measure and a valuable investment for their future.

**Teenagers**

For teenagers, several factors can interfere with academic achievement, including physiological and psychological changes, pressure to succeed at home and school, social adaptation, and environmental factors such as changing schools or crises. Surveys have shown that regular practice of CAT helps teenagers transition through developmental phases more smoothly, with benefits such as:

• Improved concentration and learning ability, especially in the CAT state of mind and with positive affirmations.

• Enhanced self-discipline and homework standards.

• Ability to study for longer periods.

• Reduction in emotional issues affecting studies.

• Improved sleep patterns.

• Better coping mechanisms.

• Reduced anxiety, including exam-related stress.

• Friendlier relationships with peers, parents, and teachers.

• Flexibility in managing home and school arrangements.

• Reduction in psychosomatic symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, and nervous tics.

• Improved academic performance, even among underachievers.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 significantly impacted the well-being and mental health of children in Luxembourg. A study by the University of Luxembourg found a decrease in life satisfaction among primary and high school students at school. This underscores the importance of equipping youth with tools and resilience to navigate school and social life successfully.

**Young Adults**

Young adults, particularly university students, also benefit from AT. Studies have shown improvements similar to those seen in teenagers, with additional benefits such as:

• Greater personality stability.

• Increased intelligence (up to 20% as measured by IQ tests), likely due to increased relaxation and composure.

• Significant enhancement in concentration quality and duration, nearly tripling in studied groups.

• Longer study periods, facilitated by short and standard exercise breaks, increase stamina.

• Enhanced learning through positive affirmations and offloading exercises.

CAT has also proven beneficial for professionals such as teachers, accountants, military cadets, doctors, and nurses, improving their learning skills and resulting in positive outcomes.

Overall, CAT is a valuable educational tool, even for children as young as eight. The benefits achieved through standard exercises allow the mind to continue its self-improvement process, further enhanced by positive affirmations. Addressing physical and emotional issues with affirmations like “I know that I am confident,” “I am calm and creative,” and “Homework is easy and fun” can be effective, especially when guided by parents or teachers.

Additionally, using guided visualisations or imagery in a CAT state can boost learning and academic achievements. By entering a CAT state and rehearsing or revising material, learning becomes easier and faster. If a subject poses challenges, contemplating the issue and then entering a CAT state can more often than not, lead to solutions.