Abstract

Combining years of experience as certified speech-language pathologists and as qualified yoga teachers, the authors of this pioneering book explain how yoga can be used to aid speech-language development in children up to age 12.

The book includes a range of yoga-based exercises for improving pre-linguistic communication, vocabulary development and motor planning for speech. The text is enriched by illustrations of children in each yoga pose, so no prior experience of yoga is necessary to help children carry out each activity. The book also provides information on using this approach with children with neurodevelopmental and intellectual disabilities, including ADHD and autism.

Susan E. Longtin received a PhD in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from the Graduate School of the City University of New York with a focus on language development in children. She has been a practicing clinician for forty years and teaches courses in Language Development, Language Disorders in Children, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. She has also been practicing yoga for over 30 years, and has completed a 200-Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training course, and participated in workshops on applications of yoga with children. She lives in New York.

Jessica A. Fitzpatrick received a MS degree in Speech-Language Pathology from New York Medical College. She currently evaluates and treats children diagnosed with various developmental disabilities at a special education preschool, as well as in private practice. She completed a 200-Hour Hatha Raja Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training course and regularly participates in preschool yoga classes. She lives in New York.

This wonderful, comprehensive map of speech and language development in children is a beautifully crafted guide with thoughtful, creative ideas and suggestions for using yoga to facilitate communication skills. An artful blend of science, experience and wisdom. I will recommend this inspiring book to my SLP students, to parents and caregivers, and to fellow yogis.
Kathy Downing, MA, CCC, Speech-Language Pathologist; Lecturer, Queens College, City University of New York; Prana Yoga Teacher
This wonderful, practical resource provides a much needed "union" between the practices of speech-language pathology and yoga. Whether it's a quick breathing exercise or yoga pose within a therapy session or a full classroom-based storybook yoga lesson, children are sure to progress in their speech, language, literacy, and pretend play development.
Susan Hendler Lederer, PhD, CCC, Professor, Speech-Language Pathologist, Yogi, and Certified Children's Yoga Instructor
Yoga for Speech-Language Development shatters the notion that yoga should be reserved as a "quiet time" activity in the early childhood classroom. This is a compelling look at the lyrical, whimsical and playful components of yogic principals and how they can provide the perfect arena for supporting reciprocal and engaging communication with the young child.
Peggy Natale, Program Director, SteppingStone Day School
This is a fantastic guide for parents wondering if yoga is right for their children. The authors explain key aspects of child development, and how to make yoga a fun, valuable experience. As a yogi and a mom who practices with my own kids, I am grateful for this "go to" resource.
Courtney, yoga practitioner and mom of two