Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adult Asperger Syndrome (Guides to Individualized Evidence-Based Treatment) [Hardcover]

Valerie L. Gaus PhD (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 10, 2007 | ISBN-10: 1593854978 | ISBN-13: 978-1593854973 | Edition: 1

An invaluable resource for therapists, this lucidly written book provides research-based strategies for addressing the core problems of Asperger syndrome (AS) and helping clients manage frequently encountered comorbidities, such as anxiety disorders and depression. Detailed case examples illustrate the complexities of AS and the challenges it presents in daily life, relationships, and the workplace. The author presents a cogent rationale for cognitive-behavioral intervention and offers clear guidelines for conducting assessments and designing and implementing individualized treatment plans. Throughout, the emphasis is on helping people with AS decrease distress while preserving and building on their unique strengths. Special features include a case formulation worksheet and other helpful reproducibles.

(20100401)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book solidly captures the essence of the issues experienced by adults with Asperger syndrome (AS). It provides detailed information on cognitive-behavioral assessment and treatment strategies, including many case examples that both fascinate and teach. This is a 'must read' for any person working closely with adults with social learning challenges. While the book is targeted for mental health providers, it is informative and helpful for a range of adult care providers, including speech pathologists and parents. I do not know of any other book like it."--Michelle Garcia Winner, SLP, private practice, San Jose, California

"Truly the first of its kind, this impressive book is an indispensable resource for psychologists and graduate students who work with adults with Asperger syndrome (AS). Gaus provides a comprehensive overview of the complex mental health needs of this often-misunderstood population, along with guidelines for evidence-based intervention. Utilizing examples from her own clinical practice to illustrate the process of cognitive-behavioral therapy (without oversimplifying it), Gaus shows how to effectively support people with AS in improving their quality of life."--Peter F. Gerhardt, EdD, President, Organization for Autism Research

"Individuals with autism spectrum disorders--who face a social world in which rules and expectations appear to be crystal clear to everyone but themselves--frequently experience anxiety and depression. Both of these challenges are best addressed through CBT, yet, until now, few resources were available to guide practitioners in working with this population. This book is the beginning of the answer. Written in plain and practical language, this book is much needed and enormously helpful."--Ami Klin, PhD, Director, Autism Program, Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine

"Gaus provides an important service in showing how cognitive-behavioral therapy can be applied with a range of problems experienced by adults with Asperger syndrome (AS). Especially helpful are the chapters on intervention, which take readers step-by-step through CBT approaches for addressing the core problems of AS as well as comorbid mental health problems. The author’s extensive clinical experience and understanding of these clients is evident throughout. The intervention strategies are described in considerable detail, with helpful case examples and references for interested readers to follow up on. Therapists working with these challenging adult clients will find this book thought provoking, practical, and invaluable."--Gary B. Mesibov, PhD, Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology and Director, Division TEACHH, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

"Valerie Gaus has made a major contribution....She provides a practical overview of diagnostic cues as well as guidelines for evidence-based therapy....She has developed a comprehensive and effective model for intervening with adults with AS. Using case studies from her many years of research and practice, she offers the practicing clinician a readable and helpful window into work with this challenging population....Gaus'' frequent use of transcriptions of parts of sessions, anecdotes, and multiple case examples illustrate her ideas and keep us engaged....A readable and fascinating journey into the lives of those with AS and an opportunity to see an expert clinician at work. While it is targeted to the practicing mental health clinician, the book would also be helpful to others who work with and relate to people with AS, including co-workers and supervisors, family members, and romantic partners. Clients with AS who are distrustful of authority or who are discouraged about therapy may find it an encouraging and exceptionally practical means of self-help."--PsychCentral.com

(PsychCentral.com )

About the Author

Valerie L. Gaus, PhD, has been a practicing cognitive-behavioral therapist serving adults and adolescents with dual diagnosis (intellectual disability with comorbid psychiatric disorder), autism spectrum disorders, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders since she received her doctorate in clinical psychology from Stony Brook University in 1992. Since then she has maintained a private practice on Long Island, New York, and serves as the staff psychologist for the Vincent Smith School in Port Washington, New York. Dr. Gaus is on the advisory board of the Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association, the grant review committee of the Organization for Autism Research, and the adjunct faculty at Long Island University/C. W. Post. She was also a founding board member of the New York Metro chapter of the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed. Dr. Gaus has written numerous articles and book chapters on mental health issues in developmental disabilities and has lectured extensively on these topics across the United States and abroad.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 244 pages
• Publisher: The Guilford Press; 1 edition (August 10, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593854978
• ISBN-13: 978-1593854973
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #50,733 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #64 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Personal Health > Children's Health > Autism & Asperger's Syndrome

More About the Author

Dr. Gaus is a licensed clinical psychologist with 18 years of experience providing mental health services to people with disabilities. With a cognitive-behavioral approach, she offers psychotherapy to adults and teens with dual diagnosis (intellectual disability and mental illness), Asperger Syndrome, higher functioning autism, depression, anxiety, trauma and stress-related problems. She is a consultant with a private practice on Long Island, NY, is on the advisory board for the Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association, the grant review committee for the Organization for Autism Research, and the adjunct faculty at Long Island University/C.W. Post. She has lectured nationally and abroad on topics related to dual diagnosis and Asperger syndrome. She has also authored numerous articles, chapters and two books on these subjects.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Are you an Aspie?, November 2, 2007

By 

Charles Robson "Awe-struck" (Tennessee) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adult Asperger Syndrome (Guides to Individualized Evidence-Based Treatment) (Hardcover)

I find it hard to believe there is only one review for this book! I am an undiagnosed Aspie and I found this book to be beyond belief. OK, I haven't read the whole book and I've started about 5 others on AS. I guess it comes with the territory.

What I am saying is that if you're an Aspie and you want to see how your mind works, in words, right before your eyes then take a look at just the first 50 pages. I've had many professionals (6 - 20) try to help me with very little success, learned of AS about a year ago, and none of them can hold a candle to Valerie. I am awe-struck; she is special!

42 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Calling All Adults on the a/A Spectrum!, October 13, 2007

By 

BeatleBangs1964 (United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adult Asperger Syndrome (Guides to Individualized Evidence-Based Treatment) (Hardcover)

If you are an adult on the autism/Asperger's spectrum, be sure to make this book a very close friend. You will be very glad that you did.

We all know that Asperger's, which is a neurobiological condition that is the spectrum partner to autism does not vanish once a person reaches voting age. We all know that it is long past time good books with a plethora of resources and helpful information for adults on the spectrum hit the shelves.

This power-packed book is replete with information about applying the cognitive approach towards isolating and, hopefully elmininating spectrum behavior. Adults on the a/A spectrum will more than likely recognize themselves and use this book to empower themselves in navigating social settings with neurotypical counterparts.

This book is truly a Godsend and one I highly recommend. Be sure to add Jerry Newport's book, "Your Life is Not a Label" to your collection as well. Any adult on the spectrum will certainly be able to count on these books!

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Attention All Aspies and Therapists, October 21, 2008

By 

Stephen Byrne (New Jersey, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adult Asperger Syndrome (Guides to Individualized Evidence-Based Treatment) (Hardcover)

This thorough treatise ought to be required reading for psychotherapists lest those afflicted with the Adult Asperger Syndrome remain undiagnosed and untreated. The chapters are consecutively arranged in a logically ordered fashion:defining Asperger Syndome(AS) in Adulthood;describing the conceptual model of this disorder;dissecting the core problems and offering a treatment plan for the basic cognitive dysfunction as well as for the many co-morbidities associated with AS. One is introduced to the concept of cognitive-behavior therapy and the application of these constructs to AS.
Each chapter's salient points are neatly and concisely summarized in a paragraph of two or three sentences. The volume is replete with in-depth
case studies dealing with the author's assessment and her definitive therapeutic approach to the individual with AS. Her structured yet commonsense,non-judgemental,compassionate sessions give more than new hope to those plagued by AS,leading them to fuller and more constructive lives.
This book deserves recognition and praise by psychotherapists as well as the AS community.