Yoga for the Special Child : A Therapeutic Approach for Infants and Children with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorders and Learning Disabilities

An innovative and easy-to-follow program for parents, educators, yoga teachers, and health care professionals. The book includes: A step-by-step, integrated system of yoga poses designed to increase cognitive and motor skills in children with learning and developmental disabilities. Specialized breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to improve concentration and reduce hyperactivity. And early intervention program to assure the healthy formative development of infants and toddlers.

An innovative and easy-to-follow program for parents, educators, yoga teachers, and health care professionals. The book includes:
-- A step-by-step, integrated system of yoga poses designed to increase cognitive and motor skills in children with learning and developmental disabilities.
-- Specialized breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to improve concentration and reduce hyperactivity.
-- An early Intervention program to assure the healthy formative development of infants and toddlers.

Library Journal

This book offers one more success story of a parent who refused to believe her disabled child could not be helped. But more importantly, it is a handbook for parents that demonstrates the use of centuries-old yoga practices to benefit the special-needs child. Sumar's program, which she teaches throughout the world, draws on yoga's philosophy that intellect, mobility, and the senses are interdependent and that improved development in one area affects all areas. The book includes a glossary, case reports (including that of Sumar's daughter), and clear, step-by-step instructions with illustrations. It also includes important dos, don'ts, and medical precautions. The success of Sumar's program has been documented in education and psychology journals. An important addition to any special-needs collection.--KellyJo Houtz Griffin, Auburn, WA

This guide by a yoga instructor and mother of a child with Down Syndrome is intended to provide specific instructions on the use of yoga with infants and young children having Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, or learning disabilities. Part 1 contains narratives on the use of yoga including the story of Roberta, the author's daughter, and other case histories and testimonials. Part 2 presents a handbook for using yoga with the special child. Chapters cover: (1) basic principles of yoga, (2) the early stages of development and a questionnaire for parents of yoga students, (3) the preparatory stages of early intervention (birth to 6 months), (4) the inductive stage, initiating "asanas" (6 months to 1 year), (5) the interactive stage, boosting the level of participation (1 to 2 years), (6) the imitative stage, developing independence (2 to 3 years), and (7) teaching group classes (ages 3 and up). These chapters typically provide detailed step-by-step instructions and illustrations for teaching specific exercises and yoga positions. A glossary is also provided. (DB)