Asanas for Autism and Special Needs ─ Yoga to Help Children With Their Emotions, Self-Regulation, and Body Awareness

Hardy, in this book, marries the insights into yoga asana with insights into autism and its therapeutic angles, with an intersection at embodied emotionality. The book begins with a disclaimer stressing the necessity of incorporating any physical limitations of the child into a beginning yoga practice. The benefits of practicing mind-body coordination, visualization, and emotional/breath control are emphasized for children with autism as well as related syndromes such as a Prader Willi and Fragile X. Before moving onto specific asana practice, the text discusses teaching of body parts, breathing, and emotional communication in the yogic safe space through the metaphor of asana. The second half of the book focuses on specific poses, giving instructions as well as an accompanying breath, visualization, optional modifications, and expected benefits. The last section presents asana that can be performed in a chair, with similar ancillary documentation. Annotation c2015 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)

Shawnee Thornton Hardy has worked with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other special needs for over 15 years. Following her experiences as a teacher in special education and her training in yoga, she has combined her two passions to teach yoga to children with autism and special needs. She teaches small group and private yoga sessions tailored to meet the physical and emotional needs of her clients. Shawnee has a Master's in Special Education and she is a 500 hour RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) and a RCYT (Registered Children's Yoga Teacher) through Yoga Alliance as well as a member of The International Association of Yoga Therapists. She lives in San Diego, CA.