Yoga has been something I have done on and off for about 15 years. As I grew older, I wanted to wake up without stiffness and I found yoga a great way to relax and breathe. So I was a great supporter of my step son who is on the spectrum having yoga sessions as part of his activities… for the very same reasons.
I was very interested in reading Louise Goldberg’s book and was glad I could. Louise Goldberg’s introduction was quite personal. Not only is a bit of a insight into this wonderful teacher with 30 years of teaching yoga therapy, but it will also help a reader figure out how best to approach the book.
I was immediately struck by the time she took to differentiate yoga and yoga therapy. My one word summary on the book is: “comprehensive.”
This is a wonderful book for both parents and educators. While the author successfully addresses all issues for all audiences, it makes it a little cumbersome for a reading from front to back.
Yoga Therapy for Children with Autism and Special Needs isn’t the kind of book and I would not recommend someone sit down and read from cover to cover. It isn’t designed that way.
My advice to someone first approaching the book is to read what they want. The book is best suited to jumping around and reading what may be interesting or “need to know”. With almost 300 pages and 26 by 21 cm, it has the feel more of a school text book than even a workbook. While available on Kindle would make it much more manageable as a document, I am not sure it would be as practical.
It is clear that the author Louise Goldberg suspected that is how it would be used, more as a workbook and says so in her overview. It contains lesson plans and photos of proper postures. She often rephrases her key points in different chapters. If one where to read it straight through as I did, it may seem repetitious. But used as a workbook, it isn’t. It makes sure that the key points and context are always in the forefront.
The author never assumes that the practitioner/reader is in the right frame of mind before going into any instructions or activity. Her emphasis is on being sure to honour the child and create a safe place – or what she calls the “sacred space”.
The description on the back best describes the content:
“For use in school, at home, or in therapeutic settings, Yoga Therapy for Children with Autism and Special Needs is a how-to manual that meets children where they are, providing a yoga therapy “lesson plan” that will engage them; promote play, social interaction, speech, language, and motor development; and enhance their self-esteem.
“It teaches an array of Creative Relaxation techniques using posture, breathing, and mindfulness designed specifically for children with autism and special needs.
If you have any interest in doing yoga either as therapy or as a practice at home with your child, this is a great instructional book.
