ABSTRACT

Systemically Treating Autism provides a unique resource for family therapists and other mental health professionals who want to increase their understanding of families with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Through a combination of research, practical interventions, and case vignettes, this text covers the diagnosis of ASD, how ASD impacts the family, systemic theories that can be used when treating families with children with ASD, spirituality and cultural dynamics, and collaboration with other professionals. Providing a systemic framework for conceptualizing a diagnosis that is typically discussed from an individual perspective, this book guides mental health clinicians toward a better understanding of how they can help the entire family unit.

chapter |4 pages

Introduction

ByBrie Turns, Julie Ramisch, Jason Whiting

part I|2 pages

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

chapter 1|8 pages

A Century of Autism

The Story of the Diagnosis
ByJason Whiting, Ashley Lovell

chapter 2|10 pages

It’s a Wide Spectrum

Understanding the Characteristics and Tendencies of ASD
ByJason Cohen

chapter 3|10 pages

It May Not Be ASD

Distinguishing Autism Spectrum Issues from Other Diagnoses
ByRebecca Grzadzinski, Morgan Cohen

part II|2 pages

Autism, The Family, and The Wider Community

chapter 4|8 pages

The Parental Subsystem

The Effects of Raising a Child with ASD
ByJake Johnson

chapter 5|8 pages

How to Assist and Empower Parents Raising a Child with ASD

ByJake Johnson

chapter 6|7 pages

The Sibling Subsystem

The Effects of Being Raised with an Individual with ASD
ByRachael A. Dansby Olufowote, Brie Turns, Brandon Eddy

chapter 7|8 pages

Providing Resources for Neurotypical Siblings of Children with ASD

ByBrandon Eddy, Brie Turns, Rachael A. Dansby Olufowote

chapter 8|9 pages

Autism and Society

How ASD Influences the Extended Family and Society
ByJocelyn Bessette Gorlin

part III|2 pages

Applying Systemic Theories

chapter 9|7 pages

The Use of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy with Families

ByBenjamin Finlayson, Brie Turns, Sara Smock Jordan

chapter 10|9 pages

Focusing on Emotions of Couples

Tailoring Emotionally Focused Therapy to Couples with Children with ASD
ByJulie Ramisch, Rachael A. Dansby Olufowote

chapter 11|6 pages

Using Bowen Family Systems Theory with Families

ByCarlos Perez

chapter 12|9 pages

Decoding the Puzzle of Fairness

Using Contextual Family Therapy with Families
ByKathleen Nash

chapter 13|11 pages

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy with Families

ByJoshua Masse

part IV|2 pages

ASD through the Lifespan

chapter 14|8 pages

Empowering Parents After a Recent Diagnosis

ByJennifer Jones, Kami Gallus

chapter 15|8 pages

Empowering Families During Early and Middle Childhood

ByVon Poll, Christa Clayton

chapter 16|7 pages

Empowering Families Transitioning into High School

ByHsu-Min Chiang, Lauren Andersen

chapter 17|9 pages

Empowering Families Transitioning into Early Adulthood

ByRachita Sharma, Kimberlee Flatt

chapter 19|6 pages

Assisting the Family After Divorce or Separation

ByJulie Ramisch

part V|2 pages

Special Topics

chapter 20|6 pages

Arranging an Appropriate Therapeutic Environment

ByLacey Bagley, Brie Turns

chapter 21|9 pages

Spirituality and the Family Unit

ByErik W. Carter

chapter 22|6 pages

Caregiver and Professional Perspectives

From Financial Planning Obstacles to Optimizing the Future
ByNicole Piland Springer, Mitzi Lauderdale

chapter 23|9 pages

Evidence-Based Practices

ByKevin Callahan, Susan M. Nichols

chapter 24|15 pages

It Takes a Village

Collaborating with Mental Health Professionals
ByStephanie M. Peterson, Cody Morris, Denice Rios, Patricia Steinert-Otto, Mandy Perl

chapter 25|11 pages

Helping the Family Communicate with Technology

ByStephanie Shire, Alyssa Tan

chapter 26|9 pages

Self-Compassion and Raising a Child with ASD

BySigan L. Hartley, Geovanna Rodriguez