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

part I|2 pages

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

chapter 1|8 pages

A Century of Autism

The Story of the Diagnosis

chapter 2|10 pages

It’s a Wide Spectrum

Understanding the Characteristics and Tendencies of ASD

chapter 3|10 pages

It May Not Be ASD

Distinguishing Autism Spectrum Issues from Other Diagnoses

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

chapter 6|7 pages

The Sibling Subsystem

The Effects of Being Raised with an Individual with ASD

chapter 8|9 pages

Autism and Society

How ASD Influences the Extended Family and Society

part III|2 pages

Applying Systemic Theories

chapter 10|9 pages

Focusing on Emotions of Couples

Tailoring Emotionally Focused Therapy to Couples with Children with ASD

chapter 12|9 pages

Decoding the Puzzle of Fairness

Using Contextual Family Therapy with Families

part V|2 pages

Special Topics

chapter 21|9 pages

Spirituality and the Family Unit

chapter 22|6 pages

Caregiver and Professional Perspectives

From Financial Planning Obstacles to Optimizing the Future

chapter 24|15 pages

It Takes a Village

Collaborating with Mental Health Professionals