Mind/Body Techniques for Asperger's Syndrome: The Way of the Pathfinder

Front Cover
Jessica Kingsley Publishers, May 15, 2008 - Medical - 152 pages

After a few sessions with you, Nathan became aware of how he was carrying himself. We noticed a change in his gait. He was straighter, taller and more assertive in his walking. His gait was that of a confident man... He beamed with pride as I went on and on about how differently he presented himself. It shook me up!'

--letter to Ron Rubio from the mother of a 22-year-old client with Asperger's Syndrome

People with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) typically experience difficulty with balance, coordination and sensory awareness. The mind/body exercises in this book help young people with AS improve these skills, leading to greater self-confidence, and independence.

Easy to use, with photographs to show how exercises are done correctly, these techniques can have an immediate effect on how an individual stands, sits, moves, thinks of him- or herself, and relates to others. The author's approach integrates ideas and practices from disciplines including martial arts, Eastern principles of mindfulness, techniques of visualization, breathing, posture, and movement, and the practice of mentoring.

Mind/Body Techniques for Asperger's Syndrome is an introduction to Pathfinder training techniques for both parents of adolescents with AS and professionals including physical therapists, pediatricians, and special education teachers who work with them.

 

Contents

1 Introduction to Core Concepts of Pathfinder Mentoring
21
Being Grounded
39
Taming the Chattering Mind
55
4 Standing on Your Own Two Feet
64
5 Posture Presence and Extension
87
6 The Power of Movement
112
7 The Rites of Passage
143
Bibliography
147
Index
149
Copyright

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Page 20 - The alcoholic does not choose to be an alcoholic. Instead he chooses to drink now, and now, and now, and now. The pattern of alcoholism emerges in his behavior (like saving emerges in the behavior of the squirrel) without ever having been chosen.
Page 15 - You are a model of what it means to be a human being in connection with others in the world we live in.
Page 18 - It was at about this time that I came across a book, The Body Has a Head by G.

About the author (2008)

Ron Rubio is Director of the Pathfinder Mentoring Services and the High Point Mountain Aikikai and BodyKi Centre in New York state, and works with males aged 8 to 33 years who have Asperger's syndrome. He has a Yondan (4th degree) black belt in aikido and has practiced the martial arts for over 20 years and has been a professional martial artist and instructor in aikido (Japanese), capoeira (Brazilian) and close combat. He also had a long career as a professional dancer, choreographer and teacher.

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