Exploring Depression, and Beating the Blues

For people with ASDs, depression is common, and has particular features and causes. This outstanding book provides a comprehensive review of these aspects, and an effective self-help guide for anyone with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affected by depression.Written by the leading experts in the field, the book explains and describes depression, the forms it can take, and how it looks and feels for a person on the autism spectrum. The authors draw on the latest thinking and research to suggest strategies for coping with the effects of depression and provide a complete step-by-step CBT self-help programme, designed specifically for individuals with ASDs. The programme helps increase self-awareness, including identifying personal triggers, and provides the tools to combat depression.

Autorentext

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.

Zusammenfassung
Understand depression and how to cope with this self-help guide designed specifically for individuals on the autism spectrum. It includes a 10-stage CBT self-help programme with self-assessment tools and activities.

Inhalt

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.