Abstract

Meditation is an effective, life-long practice that can help people with Asperger Syndrome to steer their own life course and improve wellbeing. This useful guide provides Aspies with a clear explanation of how to reap the benefits of welcoming meditation practices into their lives.

In addition to its great value as a relaxation technique, meditation can positively influence emotions, curb anxiety and meltdowns, and promote self-esteem and self-awareness. This book discusses why common Aspie character traits such as dedication and introversion make people with Asperger Syndrome particularly well suited to practicing meditation and offers guidance on choosing the right type of meditation to suit each individual's needs. With useful advice on how to begin, where to meditate, what to wear, and much more, the book shows that meditation can be a powerful everyday technique for personal development and self-discovery.

If I were asked to give one piece of advice to anybody coping with Asperger's Syndrome, it would be to learn to meditate. Amidst the chaos that surrounds us, you may find increased security, calm and self-control all at your command. Meditation saved my life when I was 20, a quarter century before I even knew I was an Aspie. Ulrike Domenika Bolls' wonderful book may comfort many more of us.
Tim Page, professor at the University of Southern California and author of Parallel Play
This book would be an excellent introduction to Meditation for anyone. Its clear structure of chapters and subheadings make it easy to read and follow. The book describes what is needed for meditation and how to meditate in a comprehensive and clear fashion.
Autism Support - Crawley
A great starting point for anyone diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, or professionals working with people with Asperger Syndrome, interested in meditation as a tool for relaxation. Bolls makes meditation practice widely accessible in a secular as well as spiritual context beyond myths and misconceptions.
Chris Mitchell, author of Asperger's Syndrome and Mindfulness: Taking Refuge in the Buddha
Ms. Bolls tells, in plain English, the benefits of meditation for everyone, but points out added benefits for Aspies, as well as illuminating why so many of us are drawn to and are good at meditation. She refreshingly debunks a lot of the mysticism and mystique surrounding the act. Yet she is highly schooled and practiced in many forms of meditation and is an enthusiastic champion of it as an oasis of calm in a whirlwind life, whether that whirlwind comes from external or internal sources. I highly recommend this fun and practical manual.
Rudy Simone, author of Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger Syndrome
Ulrike Domenika Bolls began learning meditation aged 20 and received the positive diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome in her adult years. She has dedicated a lot of time to self-discovery in therapies and seminars in Germany and the United States. In 2000 she began working on a self-employed basis with people in transformation processes. She offers coaching for gifted and highly-sensitive people both with and without Asperger Syndrome under the name Highmat®, as well as introductory courses, support and training in meditation. She is a trained Psycho-Social coach. She lives with her husband in Munich, Germany.
The practical and straightforward advice in the book means that meditation for aspies can be read as both a book in its whole and can be used for quick reference for those working on their skills. The use of language means that the book is accessible for those with Asperger's, carers, family and friends and professionals who may be involved in their care... The book is well written, easy to follow and translates easily into daily practice and life.
College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section- Learning Disabilities