Yoga Therapy for Every Special Child - Meeting Needs in a Natural Setting
by Nancy Williams
January 2010 • 208 pp • ISBN 978 1 84819 027 6 • PB • $19.95
Jessica Kingsley Publishers, London, UK
Yoga Therapy is gaining rapid recognition as a form of treatment that can improve
the physical and mental wellbeing of children with a variety of complex needs. This
book contains a specially-designed yoga program for use with children of all abilities,
and provides both parents and professionals with the knowledge they need to carry out
the therapy themselves.
The program consists of a series of postures, each of which is explained and
accompanied by an illustration. The postures are designed to help children understand
and use their bodies, and work towards positive changes such as realigning the spine,
encouraging eye-contact, and promoting calm and steady breathing. Consideration is
given to creating the right setting for carrying out the therapy, assessing an individual
child's particular needs, and making the sessions fun using games and props. Sections
on yoga therapy for specific conditions such as autistic spectrum disorder, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy are included.
Nancy Williams has been a yoga therapist for nine years. During this time, she has worked with children with a wide range of special needs, including autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, sensory integration disorder and Down syndrome. Nancy also works as a pediatric Speech Pathologist, and is a certified Neuro Developmental Treatment Therapist, Zero Balancing practitioner, Hatha Yoga instructor and Reiki Master Teacher. She is an ordained minister in MSIA (the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness) and has a Master’s degree in Spiritual Science from the Peace Theological Seminary College of Philosophy. Nancy owns Therapeutic Bodyworks, a studio in Tucson, Arizona where she teaches yoga therapy classes to individuals and small groups of children. Nancy also offers consultations and conducts training workshops.
