Counseling Adults with Autism is a practical guide for counselors, psychologists, and other mental health professionals looking to improve their confidence and competence in counseling adults diagnosed with mild to moderate autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Organized into 11 chapters based on key areas for guiding assessment and treatment planning for this population, this book highlights evidence-based practices and therapeutic interventions through case examples to demonstrate how assessment and treatment can be applied. Replete with insights from a variety of disciplinary approaches, this is a comprehensive and accessible resource for practitioners looking to support and empower clients struggling with social and behavioral challenges.
Table of Contents:
Introduction 1. Presuming Competence and Capability 2. Understanding Family Dynamics, Alison Bourdeau and Ali Cunningham Abbott 3. Increasing Optimism 4. Assessing Clients and Treatment Planning, Ali Cunningham Abbott and Ryan Seidman 5. Treating Social Communication Impairments 6. Understanding Social Motivation 7. Enhancing Social Awareness 8. Building Social Cognition Skills, Alison Bourdeau and Ali Cunningham Abbott 9. Working with Behavior Challenges, Elisa Cruz-Torres and Ali Cunningham Abbott 10. Promoting Independence Index
About the Author :
Ali Cunningham Abbott, PhD, LMHC, QS, is a licensed mental health counselor in private practice and assistant professor at Lynn University. She has over 10 years of experience counseling clients with autism and their family members, and previously served as the Assistant Director of Florida Atlantic University’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities.
Review :
"Counseling Adults with Autism is a spectacular resource for mental health professionals working with this population. Dr. Cunningham Abbott succeeds in bringing together the latest developments in evidence-based strategies on assessment, treatment, and even advocacy recommendations for clients diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This is a must read for anyone seeking to make a difference in the lives of their ASD clients!"—Jon Sperry, PhD, co-editor of The Journal of IndividualPsychology and associate professor of clinical mental health counseling at Lynn University
"This book is coming out at the perfect time! Persons with ASD are now more immersed than ever in the community and increasingly capable. Many do not present as a person with disabilities, but often have specific mental health needs that need to be addressed. Mental health professionals who work with adults with autism are seeking evidence-based resources to help address these needs. I believe this book will be the first resource a therapist turns to help their clients with ASD."—Jack Scott, PhD, BCBA-D, Executive Director of the Florida Atlantic University Center for Autism & Related Disabilities
