Abstract

Yoga therapy is gaining rapid recognition as a form of treatment that can improve the physical and mental wellbeing of children with a variety of complex needs. This book contains a specially-designed yoga program for use with children of all abilities, and provides both parents and professionals with the knowledge they need to carry out the therapy themselves.

The program consists of a series of postures, each of which is explained and accompanied by an illustration. The postures are designed to help children understand and use their bodies, and work towards positive changes such as realigning the spine, encouraging eye-contact, and promoting calm and steady breathing. Consideration is given to creating the right setting for carrying out the therapy, assessing an individual child's particular needs, and making the sessions fun using games and props. Sections on yoga therapy for specific conditions such as autistic spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy are included, and the book concludes with child and parent reports on how the program has worked for them, and a list of useful contacts and resources.

This practical book is a must for parents, teachers, therapists and other professionals, and anybody else who wants to help a child to develop through enjoyable and therapeutic yoga sessions.

I liked this book from the start...The material is so well-planned and meticulously written, that parents and caregivers with intermediate level (or higher) knowledge of Yoga can successfully put together a Yoga programme for their child...It was obvious to me that the author has an excellent knowledge of Yoga by how carefully she writes her instructions for asanas. Her creativity as a therapist comes through in how she approaches her Yoga programme, using such child-friendly props/toys as blowing bubbles to improve breathing and breath awareness, using glitter balls to attract the child's attention, and Tibetan bells to make the child aware of his movements...I would highly recommend this book to any parent of a special needs child.
BellaOnline: The Voice of Women
This book contains a specially-designed yoga programme for use with children of all abilities, and provides both parents and individuals with the knowledge they need to carry out the therapy themselves. This book is a must for parents, therapists and other professionals and anybody else who wants to help a child develop through enjoyable and therapeutic yoga sessions.
OM Yoga & Lifestyle
Although this work will be valuable for yoga therapists and yoga teachers who want to expand their teaching skills, the accessible writting and many illustrations make it an ideal book for parents, school teachers, and therapy professionals as well...The poses, breath exercises, and guided meditation presented here should be invaluable not just for special needs children, but for all children.
Elizabeth Millard, ForeWord Reviews
These exercises can help children within the autism spectrum, with physical disabilities, and much more. With practical applications for parents, "Yoga Therapy for Every Special Child" is something well worth considering for parents who want to try a new approach to caring for their children.
The Midwest Book Review
Nancy Williams has been a yoga therapist for nine years. During this time, she has worked with children with a wide range of special needs, including autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, sensory integration disorder and Down syndrome. Nancy also works as a pediatric Speech Pathologist, and is a certified Neuro Developmental Treatment Therapist, Zero Balancing practitioner, Hatha Yoga instructor and Reiki Master Teacher. She is an ordained minister in MSIA (the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness) and has a Master's degree in Spiritual Science from the Peace Theological Seminary College of Philosophy. Nancy owns Therapeutic Bodyworks, a studio in Tucson, Arizona where she teaches yoga therapy classes to individual and small groups of children. Nancy also offers consultations and conducts training workshops.
Williams, a pediatric speech and neurodevelopmental therapist, offers a playful mix of poses, breathing, relaxation, and yoga games for children with special needs...realistic child-friendly practices and spot-on tips for dealing with developmental challenges.
Yoga + Joyful Living Magazine
As a yoga teacher I found this book inspiring. It clearly shows how to bring joy into a child's life through a well-balanced yoga programme...I would highly recommend this book as a handbook for yoga teachers who would like to work with special children or for parents/carers who have a good personal yoga practice. The book would be an invaluable guide for parents/carers whose special children attend yoga therapy, to help them explore and develop their understanding and, perhaps, to start their own yoga journey with their special child by attending workshops or classes with them. This book has struck the right balance between simpicity, playfulness and balance in yoga.
Frontline