Many adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) experience mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. A range of short- to medium-term psychological therapies have shown ...
MoreMany adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) experience mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. A range of short- to medium-term psychological therapies have shown promise, although research is limited for most comorbid conditions. The first of its kind,
Psychological Therapies for Adults with Autism is an edited volume with contributions from an internationally recognized group of clinical experts. Service-user voices are viewed as central to the book, and the second chapter documents adults’ with ASD and parents’ experiences of, and thoughts about, engaging in psychological therapy. Subsequent chapters follow a similar format, presenting an overview of the psychological therapy covered, the main strategies used, and the research evidence regarding its use in individuals with ASD. This is followed by a case vignette linking theory to practice and outlining extensive examples of adaptations to enhance the accessibility and acceptability of interventions. Psychological therapies covered include transition-focused approaches, education- and employment-focused approaches, systemic therapy, social skills interventions, positive behavior support (PBS), mindfulness-based interventions, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), schema therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), compassion-focused therapy (CFT), group interventions, and offender-focused interventions. Reflecting the fact that adults can benefit from a multidisciplinary approach, one chapter focuses on pharmacological interventions. The concluding chapter outlines considerations for developing effective psychological therapies services for adults with ASD.
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