Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Second Edition

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 Association for Autism and Neurodiversity and on the grant review committee of the Organization for Autism Research, and she teaches an advanced training course through the Swedish Psychological Association. She 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.

• Introduction1. 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 Assessment4. Individualized Case Formulation and Treatment Plan5. Psychoeducation and Orientation to Treatment6. Intervention: Increasing Skills to Address the Core Problems of Autism Spectrum Disorder7. Intervention: Addressing Comorbid Mental Health Problems8. Intervention: Addressing Emotion Regulation Problems Using Mindfulness-Based Strategies9. Adjunctive Therapies and Interdisciplinary Collaboration10. Obstacles to Treatment and How to Address Them11. Ending Treatment and Looking AheadAppendix. Therapy Resources

"The second edition of this classic book will be invaluable to clinicians working with adults on the spectrum. It provides a treasure trove of materials to learn from and use in clinical practice. Gaus does a truly fantastic job of integrating research with a patient-centered approach to skill building. The new coverage of 'third-wave' CBT approaches is extremely helpful."--Fred R. Volkmar, MD, Irving B. Harris Professor, Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine"CBT has long been a preferred therapy for adults on the spectrum--unlike some other approaches, CBT is respectful of who we (spectrumfolk) are as people. In this second edition, Gaus updates her wonderful book with important new knowledge. This book is a manual for success for any clinician who works with spectrum adults."--Michael John Carley, Founder, GRASP (Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership); school consultant; author of Asperger's from the Inside Out"Any clinician who treats adults for anxiety and mood disorders should read this book. It helps us identify individuals with ASD and provide them with skillful care that is responsive to their unique information-processing styles. Students, trainees, and clinicians at all levels of experience can learn from this valuable volume. Gaus has a deep understanding of individuals with ASD. And she’s an excellent teacher, providing clear explanations illustrated with examples drawn from her rich clinical experience."--Jacqueline B. Persons, PhD, Director, Oakland Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center"This is the comprehensive and essential guide to understanding and treating this underserved population. Drawing on empirical literature as well as decades of clinical experience, Gaus shares a vast wealth of knowledge, and her compassion for the struggles of clients with ASD is palpable. Gaus shows clinicians how to incorporate treatment components specific to ASD while developing individualized case formulations and using well-established CBT interventions. Her multiple case examples are spot-on and offer concrete, practical clinical guidance. This book is well organized, user friendly, and easy to follow. Since clients seek help for an array of clinical concerns, ASD-related problems may not be immediately evident, making the book highly relevant for all clinicians and trainees."--Joan Davidson, PhD, Co-Director, San Francisco Bay Area Center for Cognitive Therapy; Assistant Clinical Professor, University of California, Berkeley -An invaluable guide….This second edition is a monumental, scholarly addition to the field of autism. This timely book connects the dots between clinical research findings and the resulting modified practical application of traditional cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with autism. This edition is poised to be the premier go-to reference for better understanding how providers in the mainstream mental health community and the autism spectrum community can provide effective psychotherapy to adults with ASD. I highly recommend this as a must-read for all mental health practitioners who come into contact with adult ASD patients and wish to learn more about ASD and the benefits of employing modified cognitive behavioral therapy techniques with this underserved patient population. *****!--Doody's Review Service, 4/12/2019ƒƒGaus has made a major contribution....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. (on the first edition)--PsychCentral.com, 4/1/2010