ABSTRACT
Cameron, a dark-haired, energetic ten-year old boy, was talking nonstop about dinosaurs to his new therapist, Lucy. Cameron had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), when he started fifth grade, and his parents were exhausted, worried, and seeking answers. Unfortunately, many therapists find themselves in a position similar to Lucy’s. Rarely do mental health clinicians have specific training about ASD and how the diagnosis can impact the family. First, throughout history, numerous terms have been used to describe the diagnosis of autism. Autism is an individual diagnosis, with the majority of treatment and research focusing on the person with ASD. Systemically Treating Autism broadens this framework by placing ASD within a family-based, systemic perspective. This text serves as a clinician’s guide to understanding the basics of ASD, how it impacts the family, and systemic models that can be used to strengthen and empower the family.
