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

I must admit at the beginning of my writing this review that I was inspired by an earlier reviewer of this book on this site who wrote a relatively negative one. That is too bad; as there are, probably, a bunch of parents and professionals who have chosen not to plunk down their [$$$] to buy this book based on this person's opinion.This book is for parents and professionals who are probably trying to find something (perhaps "anything" is a more appropriate word) to help their kid/kids. The author, as she describes in the first chapter or so, has "walked the walk", which now enables her to "talk the talk". And, after reading her story, which is heart-wrenching and, ultimately, uplifting, one realizes that the author is in the business of helping "special children", not because it is a good business idea, but because it is her life's mission. (How much money does an author make on such an inexpensive book written for such a limited audience? God bless her publisher.) In short, the author is sincere, authoritative, and, seemingly, hell-bent (in the most caring, lovey-dovey way imaginable) on changing the way that special children interact with the world. She offers no quick fixes, and specifically warns against them. She emphasizes that patience, consistency, and a long-term commitment are the keys for the best results. She clearly prefers starting children in her program as soon as possible. However, there definitely seems to be no age limit to the kids with whom she works, as one on them seems to be sporting a cheesy-beginner mustache in a photo of him doing an impossible looking pose. The previous reviewer who said that there were no tools to deal with an older child missed the obvious. The author's emphasis on positive reinforcement and "love" is obviously an attempt to build trust with the child, which is the key to dealing with children (special or not) of any age. As for the most difficult cases, the author also conducts a teachers training program and has trained many people (professionals and parents) around the world, many of whom are available to help overwhelmed parents who want to try this program with their own children. (A website address can be found in a footnote on page 61.)As for the bulk of the book, it consists of loads of exercises (with descriptions and pictures) to help a child develop strength, muscular control, concentration, self-esteem, etc. She does not give lessons on attaining enlightenment. The goal of these exercises is to have the child integrate with other (less special?) children in a "normal" way. Not bad, if this book can deliver all this for [$$$]. Even if this book only helps 1% of the kids that participate in this program, what thinking parent would not gamble a few bucks on those odds?As for the previous readers comment about the author saying that a child's ears moved lower relative to the rest of her face, I believe that it is unjust. First, the comment appears(on page 32) in a reprint o

This is a wonderful book. Ms Sumar is an inspiration for all parents and caregivers of special needs children. By following her heart, she has proven we can overcome all obstacles.Letters from parents and health care givers who have used her method give this book authenticity. The illustrated how-to section make this unique approach easy to use. Yoga for the Special Child is truly a blessing for all of us looking for a more natural way to help our children.

What really touched my heart was to know that Sonia Sumar had a child with Down Syndrome and shared with us her own story, as well as other case histories. It really illustrates and proves that what she is doing is valid. The text is also easy to read -- I have used the book in my own work with special children. I recommend this book very much. It is a beautiful gift to all Americans who work with special needs children.

After reading the heart-warming story of Ms. Sumar and her daughter Roberta, I have been inspired. Yoga is such a natural method of healing that more and more people are turning to it every day. It seems only logical to take it to the next step, as the author does in this book, and use it as an aid in the development of children with special needs.I found the manual to be illustrated with easy to follow instructions, and it clearly shows how to adapt the poses as the child develops, regardless of his/her age and abilities. Ms. Sumar lists the benefits of each pose and if certain poses should be avoided due to a child's condition.I have decided to expand my own daily yoga practices by becoming a teacher and will be looking into attending one of the Yoga for the Special Child trainings this year. This book has helped me make the decision to devote my life to helping other people directly with yoga.

This is one of the more precious book I have ever read. It is passionate, easy-to-ready and very professional at the same time. Good for professionals and for parents. I love the photografs; and the step-by-step they teach the exercises really makes it easy to do on your one. Also, the cases histories are incredible. It is a shame not to have it!