Dion E. Betts, Ed.D., is Superintendent of Schools, Boyertown Area School District, USA.
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.
''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 doing yoga for about a year. He does especially well with a modified Tree Pose and the modified Spinal Twist. Both poses are relaxing and keep his arms occupied. The Tree is wonderful for strengthening his muscles and helping his balance. The Spinal Twist is a very gentle twist that is good for his upper torso. These yoga poses have helped him release energy in a positive way rather than him ''flapping'' his arms. I believe that Yoga for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders is an excellent resource for many families who need to find ways for their children cope with Asperger Syndrome. This book has allowed me to share my love of yoga with my grandson and feel like I contribute to making his life a little bit better. I am grateful to have access to this wonderful resource.'' - Judy Waldman, Former Elementary Teacher, B.S., Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA ''In my 14 years of experience as a speech therapist and eight years of experience as a practicing Certified Yoga Teacher, I have found yoga to be the most effective form of therapy for children with Asperger Syndrome. As a result of using yoga with children with Asperger Syndrome, I have found that these children display increasing overall attention, and greater awareness of their environment as well as increasing overall socialization skills with other children.'' - Judy E. Stasek M.S., CCC-SLP, and Certified Yoga Teacher''
