Asanas for Autism and Special Needs
Shawnee Thornton Hardy
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
This excellent handbook, subtitled ‘Yoga to help Children with their Emotions, Self-Regulation and Body Awareness’ is written by a teacher in special education who is also a yoga practitioner and teacher.
The author states clearly the case for, and benefits of, using yoga with children who have special/additional needs. However what she says in her clear, accessible manner and with helpful photographs, could equally be of great benefit to all children. As a primary school teacher and yoga teacher myself, I know how beneficial yoga and pranayama are for the young. Indeed I include it in my day-to-day activities and believe all schools should include yoga as part of the curriculum.
Pranayama (breathing and breath awareness) supports children by releasing both their frustrations and difficult emotions, as well as their bodily stress and nervous tension. The author includes a number of breathing strategies including balloon (or belly) breathing, wave breath (Ujjayi), alternate nostril breathing, bee breath, lion’s breath (young children particularly enjoy these two) and many others, giving clear instructions for each.
This is followed by a longer section on the asanas or physical poses. Step-by-step instructions are given for at least 30 poses and a modified sun salutation sequence, along with the benefits of each, the type of breathing to use, the parts of the body to be aware of, what to visualize and possible modifications.
There are also some games, a chapter on chair yoga (this can be used for children in wheelchairs, as well as others in a confined space or those with poor muscle tone).
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.

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