Abstract

Teaching yoga to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other special needs is easy using this visual how-to handbook.

Breaking down yoga instruction pose by pose, body part by body part, breath by breath, this book uses easy-to-understand language and clear photographs to show parents, teachers, yoga instructors, and other professionals how to introduce the life-long benefits of yoga to a child with special needs. These benefits include gaining greater awareness and understanding of the body, learning to self-regulate the nervous system, and developing coping skills to work through difficult emotions such as anger and anxiety. Creative yoga games, activities, relaxation exercises, and chair yoga poses are included to make learning yoga a fun, interactive, and calming experience for children with a wide range of abilities.

Shawnee Thornton Hardy has worked with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other special needs for over 15 years. Following her experiences as a teacher in special education and her training in yoga, she has combined her two passions to teach yoga to children with autism and special needs. She teaches small group and private yoga sessions tailored to meet the physical and emotional needs of her clients. Shawnee has a Master's in Special Education and she is a 500 hour RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) and a RCYT (Registered Children's Yoga Teacher) through Yoga Alliance as well as a member of The International Association of Yoga Therapists. She lives in San Diego, CA.
This excellent handbook (...) is written by a teacher in special education who is also a yoga practitioner and teacher... All in all, any child who learns what the author offers herein will develop greater concentration and focus, increased strength and flexibility of body and mind and become a calmer, happier person: life-long benefits any adult would wish to bestow on those in their care, whether or not they have special needs. Highly recommended for use at home or school and in particular, for those with special needs.
Jill R Bennett
Red Reading Hub blog