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

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.

Introduction

1. Defining Asperger Syndrome in Adulthood

2. Conceptualization of Mental Health Problems in Adult Asperger Syndrome

3. The Initial Assessment

4. Individualized Case Formulation and Treatment Plan Design

5. Psychoeducation and Orientation to Treatment

6. Intervention: Increasing Skills to Address the Core Problems of Asperger Syndrome

7. Intervention: Addressing Comorbid Mental Health Problems

8. Adjunctive Therapies and Interdisciplinary Collaboration

9. Obstacles to Treatment and How to Address Them

10. Ending Treatment and Looking Ahead

Appendix: Therapy Resources