Exploring Depression, and Beating the Blues

Tony Attwood, PhD, is a clinical psychologist from Brisbane, Australia, with over 30 years of experience with individuals with autism spectrum disorders. He is currently Adjunct Professor at Griffith University in Queensland. Dr Michelle Garnett, PhD, is an AuDHD clinical psychologist with more than 30 years of experience specialising in autism. In 2019, she co-founded Attwood & Garnett Events with Tony Attwood to enhance autism awareness and understanding globally. Colin Thompson has worked as a silk-screen printer, a graphic designer, a stage manager in the theatre but never as a lumberjack in Canada or a sailor on a tramp-steamer in the South Seas. He is the author and illustrator of over 65 published books. Colin lives in Australia with his wife.

• Introduction: Why we created the Exploring Depression Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) programme. 1. Why Does Someone with Asperger's Syndrome Become Depressed? 2. The Nature of Depression. 3. How Does Depression Look and Feel for a Person with Asperger's Syndrome? 4. What Type of Therapy Works for a Person with Asperger's Syndrome? 5. The Perception, Learning and Thinking Style Associated with Asperger's Syndrome. 6. Overview of the 10-Stage CBT Programme Exploring Depression. 7. Assessment Before Starting the Programme. 8. Stage 1: Qualities and Abilities. 9. Stage 2: What is Depression? 10. Stage 3: Tools to Combat Depression. 11. Stage 4: Art and Pleasure Tools. 12. Stage 5: Thinking Tools (part 1). 13. Stage 6: Thinking Tools (part 2) and Social Tools. 14. Stage 7: Thinking Tools (part 3) and Relaxation Tools. 15. Stage 8: Relaxation and Helpful and Unhelpful Tools. 16. Stage 9: A Safety Plan. 17. Stage 10: The Future. Recommended reading. Appendix 1. Bringing the Body into Awareness. Appendix 2. Positive Personality Adjectives. Appendix 3. Bringing the Five Senses into Awareness. Appendix 4. Daily Energy Account Form. Appendix 5. Websites/Blogspots/Support Information. Appendix 6. Relaxation for Self-awareness. Appendix 7. Time Machine Activity. Appendix 8. Mood Diary Dimensions.

Exploring Depression and Beating the Blues is a much needed resource, in light of how common depression is among teens and adults with autism spectrum disorder. Based in established cognitive-behavioral principles of change, this user-friendly book provides poignant first-person accounts and direct, informative psychoeducation. Although developed as a self-help guide for use with minimal support from a professional, it can also be used in group or individual treatment. I have no doubt this will be a valuable resource for people with ASD struggling with depression, and their loved ones.