This series of reflective accounts by autistic Buddhists explores the benefits that Buddhist practice can bring for autistic individuals, and outlines how Dharma teachers, centre directors and meditation group leaders can help ensure group sessions are truly autism-sensitive. Including a wide range of international contributors discussing aspects of the autistic experience and the impact of Buddhism on their lives, this is a thought-provoking and often moving investigation of the intersect between autism and spiritual practice. The deeply personal accounts of the positive impact that Buddhist practice has had on relationships, social interactions, sensory overload, mental health and wellbeing, provide an opportunity to find out more about Buddhism and the support that it can offer to the autistic community.
Dr Chris Jarrell is a retired social work lecturer and counsellor with a very late diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. He has been a practicing Buddhist for thirty years.
1. Louise Woodford: How an encounter with a Buddhist monk started my journey to wellbeing 2. Jessica Woodford: 'Being Peace': Buddhism Through the Eyes of an 11-year-old Autistic Girl 3. Danielle Hall: Calm in the Eye of The Storm: How Buddhism helps with relationships, social interactions, and sensory overload 4. Pete Grella: True Freedom: What Buddhism teaches us about difference and acceptance 5. Sian Atkins: Dharma d'au: Buddhism, autism, and the path to balance 6. Chris Jarrell: The Triple Jewel: How Buddhism helps me manage anxiety in everyday life 7. Dr Pernille Damore: The practical application of the dharma in everyday life 8. Ish Tannahill: Loving-Kindness: How meditating helps me feel better about myself 9. Dr Lian Beijers: The Five Mindfulness Trainings and how they help me to be authentically autistic 10. Lucy Liu: Buddhism and Parenting: How mindfulness of the breath helps me listen to my autistic daughter 11. Dena Rashkover: My classroom is my sangha: Compassion and loving kindness in special needs education 12. Jane Garrett (Prajnanandi): Joining a Sangha: Finding a way to friendship 13. Eleanor Lloyd (Dhiraprabha): The Challenges of Engaging with Sangha: How sanghas can develop more inclusive practice 14. Barry Taylor: Unsocially Social: The benefits of practising online for autistic people 15. Joy Tober: Community and Wellbeing: Everyday life in a Zen Buddhist temple 16. Chris Jarrell: Reflections
A fascinating look at how Buddhism can help and support autistic individuals, and how the Buddhist community can build on that to fully engage with diversity and inclusion
Being Autistic in a neurotypical world can be filled with challenge. Autism and Buddhist Practice shares the journeys of people who have found a liberating path in the teachings of the Buddha and meditation practices. The stories speak for themselves and you will find a poignancy and honesty in them that will inspire you. -- Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Change
