Now revised and expanded, this is the leading resource for psychotherapists working with adults who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) without significant cognitive and language impairments (also known as Asperger syndrome). Valerie L. Gaus shows how to adapt the proven techniques of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to build clients' social and coping skills, facilitate self-acceptance, and treat comorbid anxiety and depression. Illustrated with detailed case examples, the book is grounded in cutting-edge knowledge about information-processing differences in ASD. It gives clinicians critical guidance for conceptualizing these clients' presenting problems and optimizing the effectiveness of interventions. Reproducible worksheets can be downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size. First edition title: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adult Asperger Syndrome.
 
New to This Edition
*Explains the significant terminology changes in DSM-5 and their impact.
*Chapter on mindfulness-based strategies for emotion regulation problems.
*Additional strategies and resources for teaching social and coping skills.
*Describes new and updated assessment instruments.
*Incorporates cutting-edge research on CBT and on clinical problems associated with ASD.
 
See also the author's related self-help resource, Living Well on the Spectrum, an ideal client recommendation. 

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.
 
 

Introduction
1. Defining Autism Spectrum Disorder in Cognitively Able Adults (Asperger Syndrome)
2. Conceptualization of Mental Health Problems in Cognitively Able Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asperger Syndrome)
3. The Initial Assessment
4. Individualized Case Formulation and Treatment Plan
5. Psychoeducation and Orientation to Treatment
6. Intervention: Increasing Skills to Address the Core Problems of Autism Spectrum Disorder
7. Intervention: Addressing Comorbid Mental Health Problems
8. Intervention: Addressing Emotion Regulation Problems Using Mindfulness-Based Strategies 
9. Adjunctive Therapies and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
10. Obstacles to Treatment and How to Address Them
11. Ending Treatment and Looking Ahead
Appendix. Therapy Resources