After a few sessions with you, Nathan became aware of how he was carrying himself. We noticed a change in his gait. He was straighter, taller and more assertive in his walking. His gait was that of a confident man... He beamed with pride as I went on and on about how differently he presented himself. It shook me up!' --letter to Ron Rubio from the mother of a 22-year-old client with Asperger's Syndrome People with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) typically experience difficulty with balance, coordination and sensory awareness. The mind/body exercises in this book help young people with AS improve these skills, leading to greater self-confidence, and independence. Easy to use, with photographs to show how exercises are done correctly, these techniques can have an immediate effect on how an individual stands, sits, moves, thinks of him- or herself, and relates to others. The author's approach integrates ideas and practices from disciplines including martial arts, Eastern principles of mindfulness, techniques of visualization, breathing, posture, and movement, and the practice of mentoring. Mind/Body Techniques for Asperger's Syndrome is an introduction to Pathfinder training techniques for both parents of adolescents with AS and professionals including physical therapists, pediatricians, and special education teachers who work with them.

Understanding who you are can be a lonely and difficult process following the diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome (AS). Asperger's Syndrome and Mindfulness illuminates this experience as an empowering path of discovery through the teachings of Buddhism. Chris Mitchell draws parallels between the experience of his own journey towards personhood through AS and the spiritual tenants of Theravada Buddhism, as outlined through the Eightfold Path, a guideline to personal development. Worry and anxiety, confusing desires or negative thoughts are among the everyday hindrances a person with AS faces. This book takes the reader through the key beliefs of Theravada Buddhism, such as Mindfulness and the Four Noble Truths, showing how practices such as Insight Meditation can lead to a positive resolution of these feelings. Talking openly about his own personal experiences, Chris Mitchell provides helpful tips and suggestions for improving confidence and self-esteem towards an overall better sense of self that will be of interest to anyone diagnosed with AS or their family and friends.

Based on his own life experiences, travels and meditations, Chris Mitchell reflects on how mindfulness practice can help people with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) with daily challenges including negative thought patterns, emotional and sensory issues, and navigating the social world. This practical handbook provides advice and instruction on adopting a mindful way of living to help tune in to the present moment and each chapter provides step-by-step mindfulness exercises that allow individuals with AS to overcome obstacles through awareness. Included are breathing exercises, simple yoga stretches, sitting, standing and walking meditations, visualisations, and easy ways to incorporate mindfulness techniques into everyday activities such as eating, brushing your teeth or doing the dishes. By teaching how to live mindfully moment to moment, this book gives people with Asperger's Syndrome the key to relieving stress, increasing awareness, and living a healthier and happier life.

The author describes the bullying behavior he and other individuals have experienced, and the effect this has had on their lives. He outlines the reasons for bullying behavior and the danger of persistent recurrence if it remains unchecked, as well as the critical importance of "involving the bystander."

This resource provides practical strategies for helping teenagers and adults with Asperger Syndrome to navigate social skills, friendships and relationships at home and in the community. The author offers advice and useful strategies for tackling day-to-day problems such as visits to the dentist or the doctor, searching for a job, sorting out personal finances, going on vacation, and dealing with public transport, as well as more intimate topics such as dating and acquiring and maintaining friendships. The chapters are structured around real-life scenarios and the challenges they present, followed by step-by-step solutions and suggestions. A final section provides a set of practical self-help tools, which encourage the reader to note down answers to the questions posed and record personal reflections. This accessible guide will be essential reading for teenagers and adults with Asperger Syndrome and their families, teachers, therapists, counsellors, carers, social and health work professionals.

Outlining a new, optimistic way to understand autism, this concise and accessible book offers practical ideas to help children on the spectrum grow. The Polyvagal Theory suggests autism is a learnt response by the body - a result of the child being in a prolonged state of 'fight or flight' while their nervous system is still developing. This book explains the theory in simple terms and incorporates recent developments in brain plasticity research (the capacity of the brain to change throughout life) to give parents and professionals the tools to strengthen the child's brain-body connection and lessen the social and emotional impact of autism.