Abstract

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.

I have known Chris for a number of years and this book reflects his calm, insightful attitude towards life and Asperger Syndrome very well indeed. There are some wonderful intuitions, even philosophies, in this book that will be beneficial for many people associated with Asperger Syndrome.
Dr. Luke Beardon, Senior Lecturer in Autism at The Autism Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, UK
Chris Mitchell was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome in 1998, when he was 20 years old. Having completed an MA (Hons) in Information and Library Management, he currently works as Operational Manager at Autism Works, a social enterprise that provides sustainable employment in software testing for adults on the autism spectrum. He is an active advocate for raising awareness of the positive aspects of AS, giving talks, seminars and mindfulness workshops throughout the UK and internationally. He has been practicing mindfulness since 2005 during which time he has participated in extended monastic stays and meditation retreats as well as completing an eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course in 2010. His previous books include Glass Half-Empty, Glass Half-Full: How Asperger's Syndrome Has Changed My Life and Asperger's Syndrome and Mindfulness: Taking Refuge in the Buddha.
As an autistic person who knows the value of mindfulness, I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to gain greater awareness of themselves and live more peacefully. Using great analogies, Chris shows how we can manage the stresses of an autism spectrum condition using simple exercises to deal with little things that can build into debilitating stress and ill health.
Zaffy Simone, autistic adult, independent autism consultant and illustrator
Chris Mitchell has authenticity in terms of knowing Asperger's Syndrome from a personal perspective and from having himself experienced the benefits of mindfulness. Incorporating mindfulness in everyday life will have a positive effect on all the core characteristics of Asperger's Syndrome. Reading this book has the potential to be a life-changing experience for those who have Asperger's Syndrome.
Tony Attwood, Clinical Psychologist, Minds & Hearts Clinic, Australia, and author of The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome
This book opens with a very supportive introduction for both the person with Asperger's Syndrome considering mindfulness and the professional who may be supporting them. Chris writes in a clear and expressive manner showing a true understanding of both Asperger's Syndrome and mindfulness. I really feel like I have shared in part of Chris's journey and gained along the way.
Janet Ashfield, life coach and mindfulness practitioner
A great introduction to beginners in the practice of mindfulness. Mitchell provides step-by-step exercises directed at helping individuals with AS to increase their awareness of their own mind, body, and the world around them in a new way... it offers the personal perspective of someone with AS who has not only mastered a way of surviving, but also fully experiencing all that life has to offer. Mitchell makes the practice of mindful living come alive in his own life and offers a path that others may follow.
Jodi Wilson
Mindfulness