Yoga for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Preface. A note on this book. Foreword by Louise Goldberg, Registered Yoga Teacher. Foreword by Joshua S. Betts. Introduction. 1: How to Use This Guide. Sequence of yoga poses. Modifications of poses and sessions. Demonstrate poses to your child. Ensure that your child is comfortable. A note on breathing. Motivating children with Autism Spectrum Disorders to practice yoga. 2: The Yoga Sequence for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Warm-up Poses. Sitting Pose. Cat Pose. Shoulder Opener Pose. Neck Rolls. Mountain Pose. Spinal Rolls. Chair Pose. Strengthening Poses. Triangle Pose. Side Angle Pose. Downward Dog Pose. Warrior I Pose. Warrior II Pose. Standing Forward Bend Pose (A and B). Tree Pose. Release of Tension Poses. Sphinx Pose. Boat Pose. Bridge Pose. Calming Poses. Sitting Forward Bend Pose. Spread Leg Forward Bend Pose. Head-to-Knee Pose. Butterfly Pose. Reclining Butterfly Pose. Seated Spinal Twist Pose. Easy Spinal Twist Pose. Child's Pose. Corpse Pose. 3: Yogic Breathing. Ujjayi Breathing. Skull Shining Breath. Curled Tongue Breath. Lion Breath. Alternate Nostril Breathing. 4: Shorter Yoga Sequences. Short sequence 1. Short sequence 2. References.

Dion E. Betts is a special education administrator, adjunct professor, writer, and presenter. His main interest is investigating the experiences of individuals with disabilities and finding ways to help them have satisfactory home, community, and school experiences. He is also co-author of Homespun Remedies: Strategies in the Home and Community for Children with Autism Spectrum and Other Disorders, also published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Stacey W. Betts has been a yoga practitioner for ten years. She is currently on leave from the practice of law and is a homemaker. As an attorney, Stacey assisted families with children with disabilities and women with domestic relations issues. Stacey and Dion live in Lancaster, PA with their five children, one of whom has Asperger Syndrome.

"Yoga for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders is a well written and easy to follow guide for parents, caregivers, and even professionals. This book is the first of its kind and addresses the real needs of children within the autism spectrum. Providing simple and effective techniques, the book gives hope to families that children with autism spectrum disorders can lead lives feeling less stress and happier. The book puts the pieces together; providing expert information about autism spectrum disorders and excellent specialized instruction. The book provides the right combination of knowledge and sensitivity making this a must have for all of us. The authors recognize that the true teachers are the children; this is what makes it a truly great book." - Thea Griffin, M.S.W. Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Certified Professional Kripalu Yoga Teacher, Certified Kripalu DansKinetics[copyright] Teacher, Albany, NY, USA "I am a professional educator who has children with autistic spectrum disorders. Yoga for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders is great because it gives a method to help children and adolescents with autistic spectrum disorders lead more typical lives. There are so few other effective solutions to address problems of heightened anxiety, poor motor coordination and strength, and weak self-regulation for children with autism spectrum disorders. Researchers have shown that yoga benefits individuals by aiding in stress reduction, reducing anxiety, increasing body awareness, strength, and flexibility, and increasing self-regulation. Yoga poses and breathing techniques could provide a useful intervention to increase the quality of life for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders." - Nancy J. Patrick, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist and Autism Consultant, Assistant Professor, Messiah College, Harrisburg, PA, USA "I've been practicing yoga for five years with a Certified Yoga Teacher. I have a grandson with Asperger Syndrome who has been