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Autism and Buddhist Practice
This series of reflective accounts 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 sessions are truly autism sensitive.
Including a wide range of international contributors discussing aspects of their autistic experience and the impact of Buddhism on their lives, this is a thought-provoking and often moving portrayal of the intersect between the lived experience of autistic people and spiritual practice.
The deeply personal accounts of the positive impact Buddhist practices have had on relationships, social interactions, sensory overload, mental health and wellbeing, provide an opportunity to find out more about both Buddhism and the support that it can offer to the autistic community through, for example, personal practice, parenting and special educational provision.
Including a wide range of international contributors discussing aspects of their autistic experience and the impact of Buddhism on their lives, this is a thought-provoking and often moving portrayal of the intersect between the lived experience of autistic people and spiritual practice.
The deeply personal accounts of the positive impact Buddhist practices have had on relationships, social interactions, sensory overload, mental health and wellbeing, provide an opportunity to find out more about both Buddhism and the support that it can offer to the autistic community through, for example, personal practice, parenting and special educational provision.
208 pages, Paperback
Published December 21, 2022
15 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 28, 2023
Really enjoyable read with personal reflections on experiences of accessing Buddhism from individuals on the autistic spectrum - both how Buddhism can help but also the challenges faced in joining a community and participating in some Buddhist activities. As someone who identifies as being on the spectrum myself, I found it a gently helpful read.
June 20, 2023
If you are autistic, this won’t offer much, if any, new information. For those in the Buddhist practice that are unfamiliar with autism, this does provide a variety of positive and negative perspectives and can be a good introduction to the disorder.
January 24, 2025
Autism and Buddhist Practice is a book that explores the intersection of autism and Buddhism, shedding light on the unique challenges and opportunities within this space. Published last year, the book aims to provide valuable insights and practical advice for both autistic individuals and those engaged in Buddhist practices. It promises to foster a deeper understanding of both worlds and offers a path toward improved well-being through spiritual practice.
The book delves into how Buddhist practices, particularly meditation and mindfulness, can enhance the well-being of autistic adults. The authors outline six key areas where these practices might be beneficial, including managing stress, coping with anxiety, understanding suffering (Dukkha), fostering community support, recognizing personal strengths, and promoting diversity and inclusion. The focus on using meditation and mindfulness to develop a better quality of life from an autistic perspective is particularly commendable. Additionally, the book serves as a guide for Buddhist teachers and community leaders interested in creating autism-sensitive practices.
The structure begins with a brief introduction to Buddhist principles, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, to set the stage for the personal narratives that follow. These stories, contributed by both autistic and neurotypical individuals, provide authentic and heartfelt accounts of challenges and triumphs. The book illustrates how autistic individuals have adapted Buddhist teachings to suit their needs, such as avoiding sensory overload or overwhelming social interactions. It also underscores the importance of belonging to a Sangha (Buddhist community) and suggests that this could be an opportune moment for some autistic people to move from secular mindfulness into the broader realm of Buddhism. That said, as someone who doesn't share a deep connection to Buddhist philosophy, I found myself somewhat disconnected from this call to action.
One of the book’s strongest themes is its exploration of suffering (Dukkha), a central concept in Buddhism. While suffering is an inherent part of life according to Buddhist teachings, it is also something that can be transformed. For autistic individuals, who often experience unique forms of emotional, social, or physical challenges, this message feels particularly relevant. The editor's personal reflections on how mindfulness and meditation have helped him understand his autism add an inspiring and relatable touch to the book.
However, the book has its shortcomings. Its tone occasionally leans too heavily into religious enthusiasm, particularly in the introduction, where the basics of Buddhism are presented in a way that may alienate readers who are less familiar with or less committed to Buddhist philosophy. A more neutral or inclusive approach would have made the book accessible to a broader audience. Additionally, the depiction of the Sangha feels overly idealized, and the text sometimes lacks nuance in addressing the diversity of autistic experiences. The authors advocate strongly for the benefits of meditation and mindfulness but leave little room for skepticism or alternative perspectives. Autistic individuals who don’t resonate with these practices, or who find them ineffective or even counterproductive, are largely left out of the conversation.
Another point of contention is the use of the term "suffering." While the Buddhist concept of Dukkha is nuanced, some readers might misinterpret it as reinforcing stereotypes of autism as inherently painful or burdensome. Furthermore, the book would have benefited from including a wider range of approaches, perhaps featuring stories from autistic adults who use mindfulness in secular or non-Buddhist contexts.
In summary, Autism and Buddhist Practice is a niche yet valuable resource for autistic individuals with a strong interest in Buddhism, as well as for Buddhist communities seeking to become more inclusive. However, for readers with little affinity for meditation, mindfulness, or religious texts, this book may feel unbalanced and frustrating. Personally, I found it to be a mix of inspiration and irritation—rich with potential but lacking in balance and inclusivity.
This book appeared first in Dutch on my autismblog www.tistje.com
The book delves into how Buddhist practices, particularly meditation and mindfulness, can enhance the well-being of autistic adults. The authors outline six key areas where these practices might be beneficial, including managing stress, coping with anxiety, understanding suffering (Dukkha), fostering community support, recognizing personal strengths, and promoting diversity and inclusion. The focus on using meditation and mindfulness to develop a better quality of life from an autistic perspective is particularly commendable. Additionally, the book serves as a guide for Buddhist teachers and community leaders interested in creating autism-sensitive practices.
The structure begins with a brief introduction to Buddhist principles, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, to set the stage for the personal narratives that follow. These stories, contributed by both autistic and neurotypical individuals, provide authentic and heartfelt accounts of challenges and triumphs. The book illustrates how autistic individuals have adapted Buddhist teachings to suit their needs, such as avoiding sensory overload or overwhelming social interactions. It also underscores the importance of belonging to a Sangha (Buddhist community) and suggests that this could be an opportune moment for some autistic people to move from secular mindfulness into the broader realm of Buddhism. That said, as someone who doesn't share a deep connection to Buddhist philosophy, I found myself somewhat disconnected from this call to action.
One of the book’s strongest themes is its exploration of suffering (Dukkha), a central concept in Buddhism. While suffering is an inherent part of life according to Buddhist teachings, it is also something that can be transformed. For autistic individuals, who often experience unique forms of emotional, social, or physical challenges, this message feels particularly relevant. The editor's personal reflections on how mindfulness and meditation have helped him understand his autism add an inspiring and relatable touch to the book.
However, the book has its shortcomings. Its tone occasionally leans too heavily into religious enthusiasm, particularly in the introduction, where the basics of Buddhism are presented in a way that may alienate readers who are less familiar with or less committed to Buddhist philosophy. A more neutral or inclusive approach would have made the book accessible to a broader audience. Additionally, the depiction of the Sangha feels overly idealized, and the text sometimes lacks nuance in addressing the diversity of autistic experiences. The authors advocate strongly for the benefits of meditation and mindfulness but leave little room for skepticism or alternative perspectives. Autistic individuals who don’t resonate with these practices, or who find them ineffective or even counterproductive, are largely left out of the conversation.
Another point of contention is the use of the term "suffering." While the Buddhist concept of Dukkha is nuanced, some readers might misinterpret it as reinforcing stereotypes of autism as inherently painful or burdensome. Furthermore, the book would have benefited from including a wider range of approaches, perhaps featuring stories from autistic adults who use mindfulness in secular or non-Buddhist contexts.
In summary, Autism and Buddhist Practice is a niche yet valuable resource for autistic individuals with a strong interest in Buddhism, as well as for Buddhist communities seeking to become more inclusive. However, for readers with little affinity for meditation, mindfulness, or religious texts, this book may feel unbalanced and frustrating. Personally, I found it to be a mix of inspiration and irritation—rich with potential but lacking in balance and inclusivity.
This book appeared first in Dutch on my autismblog www.tistje.com
July 9, 2023
De momento se siente esperanzador y luego se siente muy problemas primermundistas jajaja pero es una buena introducción a una posición para entender el camino del buddhismo desde una neurodivergencia.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews