Living Well on the Spectrum: How to Use Your Strengths to Meet the Challenges of Asperger Syndrome/High-Functioning Autism - Softcover

Gaus, Valerie L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1606236342 ISBN 13: 9781606236345

Publisher: Guilford Press, 2011

Synopsis

Navigating the "neurotypical" world with Asperger syndrome or high-functioning autism (AS/HFA) can be extremely stressful. But by understanding the specific ways your brain works differently--and how to tap into your personal strengths--you can greatly enhance your well-being. In this wise and practical book, experienced therapist Valerie L. Gaus helps you identify goals that will make your life better and take concrete steps to achieve them. Grounded in psychological science, the techniques in this book help you:
 
*Learn the unspoken rules of social situations.
*Improve your communication skills.
*Get organized at home and at work.
*Manage anxiety and depression.
*Strengthen your relationships with family and friends.
*Live more successfully on your own or with others.
 
A wealth of stories, questionnaires, worksheets, and concrete examples help you find personalized solutions to problems you are likely to encounter. You can download and print additional copies of the worksheets for repeated use. Of special note, the Introduction was updated in 2017 with the latest information on how autism spectrum disorder is defined in DSM-5. Finally, a compassionate, knowledgeable, positive guide to living well on the spectrum.

Mental health professionals, see also the author's Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Second Edition.

About this title

Review

"As an Aspie, I found this an excellent and readable guide. The book gives readers a better understanding of their social, intellectual, and physical strengths and weaknesses, and provides strategies for improving communication and social skills. It includes helpful techniques for choosing goals and setting course toward them. Kudos to Dr. Gaus for creating this manual--I hope it will be much read."--Eric Schissel, Ithaca, New York   "Dr. Gaus presents her ideas clearly and effectively and makes terrific use of practical examples. She offers great ideas to help those on the spectrum decrease stress and maximize their progress toward life goals by understanding, fully utilizing, and celebrating their special qualities."--Gary B. Mesibov, PhD, coauthor of Understanding Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism
  
"A marvelous book with extremely helpful and practical advice. This book will be of tremendous help to individuals with AS/HFA."--Fred R. Volkmar, MD, coauthor of A Practical Guide to Autism; Child Study Center, Yale University  

"Valerie Gaus offers readers on the autism spectrum a positive, powerful plan for living life to the fullest. Presenting autism as a different rather than a disordered way of being, Dr. Gaus personally guides readers toward self-discovery and then shows practical ways to address challenges. As a person on the spectrum, I find Dr. Gaus’s examples, ideas, and approaches ring true with my own life experiences....More than just a 'must read'; this book is a 'must experience' for everyone on the autism spectrum, as well as those who support them."―from the Foreword by Stephen Shore, author of Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome    

 

 

About the Author

Valerie L. Gaus, PhD, is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Long Island and New York City. Her focus is treating mental health problems in adults with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and other learning and developmental disorders. Since receiving her doctorate in 1992, she has approached her work with a cognitive-behavioral orientation. Dr. Gaus serves on the advisory board of the Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association and the grant review committee of the Organization for Autism Research, and instructs an advanced training course through the Swedish Psychological Association. Dr. Gaus has written numerous articles and chapters on mental health issues in developmental disabilities and has lectured extensively in the United States and internationally. She is the author of the self-help resource Living Well on the Spectrum as well as a book for therapists, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Second Edition.

Edition details

• Publisher: Guilford Press
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1606236342
• ISBN 13: 9781606236345
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 383