Yoga for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents and Caregivers

by Dion E. Betts

Having successfully used yoga to combat the stress of their own busy lives, Dion and Stacey Betts discovered its potential for their son Joshua, who has Asperger Syndrome. This fully-illustrated book combines the authors' professional expertise with their experience of parenting, offering a range of gentle and fun yoga positions and breathing techniques that are effective in dealing with the increased levels of anxiety, disorientation and tactile sensitivity often found in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The authors give step-by-step descriptions of warming-up, strengthening, calming, and tension-releasing exercises that are suitable for reducing coping mechanisms, such as hand-flapping, and increasing muscle tone, muscle strength and body awareness. They also offer a range of short and long sequences that can be tailored to fit the needs of the individual child. Yoga for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders is ideal for parents and caregivers who want to use simple yoga techniques to help children with ASDs overcome some of the symptoms of the disorder.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Parenting

102 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 2006

Reviews

[Jokoloyo · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my opinion, the step-by-step guidance for each yoga pose is still suitable for anybody, not limited for children with autism spectrum disorders. Biomechanically, there are not much differences the guide of each yoga pose for children with autism spectrum disorders or for other people. The authors share some of their experience from time to time when describing a pose when they teach that pose to the children; this is the value of this book.

Maybe the relatively low rating of this book on Goodreads is due to no fancy insights in yoga aspect or autism spectrum disorder aspect. Maybe some of the photos or descriptions of poses could be argued, but I don't have concern. This book is not aiming for practitioners to become a participant for asana championship. But this book is practical guidance as the book's title.

[Leslie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an ok intro to yoga but offers nothing special for special needs kids as it claims. Unless u count the way they say its ok not to force your kid into positions they can't or won't do. They say to let jr just dp his best and get as close to it as is comfortable. Well, duh. I get so tired of people cashing in on special needs kids. Glad i borrowed it from the library and didn't buy it

[AP · Rating 2 out of 5]

I applaud the premise of teaching yoga to kids as a method of emotional regulation and physical fitness. The book has helpful tips on doing yoga together and modifying asanas for kids on the spectrum. Unfortunately I found the sequence of the asanas awkward. The nomenclature of certain asanas was not standard, e.g., the “boat pose” in this book is usually called bow (dhanurasana). The photos of the adult demonstrating each asana showed suboptimal alignment, such as the knee not directly over the ankle for warrior II.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this book specifies poses that are supposed to help with the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders there is no evidence that they really do so. In addition, although the author does offer modified poses, I still suspect that many would be very difficult for many children with this condition. I suspect the main advantage will be that if these exercises are done with a parent, teacher, or other children, the practice may help a little by offering a social opportunity.

[Britz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have antusiasm with autism. So, when my friend gave this book, I think I will get new knowledge about autism. And, it's true. I got more information. I know now that yoga can help autism, and how children with autism are so weak, not like normal children. In addition, I can learn about yoga too. And the yoga from this book can make me comfort after doing my job all day.... tenkyu

[Lindsay Lock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good intro to yoga book to use to get started. Helps getting you thinking how to accommodate some difficulties kids with Asd's may have. A wish it had more poses & sequences to help target different areas.

[GateGypsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seems like a good primer on introducing your child to yoga. I know my son already loves it, so I'm looking forward to doing yoga with him :-)