Meditation can work for people with autism

I have written about my interest in meditation in previous articles, but I wanted to write more about how it actually makes me feel.

I have been meditating on and off for around 30 years and have tried many different techniques. Over the years I have regularly attended Buddhist centres, Raja yoga centres, Sri Chinmoy centres and many other organizations that have their own way of practising meditation.

I have consistently had more success from using the more simple techniques, but everyone will be different. Some people will prefer the chanting type of meditation the most powerful. Personally I like the ultra simple technique of just listening to your breath whilst sitting with a straight back and closed eyes for around 15 minutes.

It’s important to say that due to my often severe levels of anxiety and depression, I am always on a low dose of medication, and there are times that I am just too overwhelmed by my autistic symptoms to be able to meditate. But these bad times pass, and I can get back to my meditation sessions again.

How does meditation help me?

1. I get an instant boost of mental energy
2. An incredible clarity of mind
3. An increased sense of optimism
4. A feeling that I can achieve more
5. A sense of deep calmness and contentment
6. I often get new ideas
7. I am a little less anxious about leaving my house after meditating

Sometimes I feel so good after meditating , that I think if I could always feel that good, my life would be amazing, and I would be able to achieve great things in my life.

As I said earlier, there are times when I am just to anxious to meditate. There are also times when my autistic symptoms make sitting still for 15 minutes impossible. Apart from these occasions, I try my best to meditate as often as possible.

Meditation is not a cure for autism, depression or anxiety. But it does really help me to keep calm. Sometimes meditation gives me a really powerful mental boost that stays with me for a good few hours. And the effects are different from any type of medication you could possibly get from the doctor.

I am not aware of any scientific studies on the effects of meditation on autism, but there are now dozens of research papers published on the benefits meditation has in battling depression, anxiety and stress. In some cases it has helped to reduce blood pressure levels, and been an effective way of coping with insomnia.

I would urge anyone with Aspergers syndrome or High functioning autism to try meditation out for themselves. It is not an instant fix , and takes time, patience and effort to feel the benefits. But stick with it, and it can really make a big difference to your life.

I would not have been able to achieve all I have, without meditation.

 

Thanks for reading- Steve

Autism: A world of extremes

Autism: diagnosis and after

The big secret

Autism: Is poor mental health the bigger problem?

Autism and self help

Telling people you have autism

Autism, successful communication,10 things to make it easier