Social Skills Training for Children with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism

Susan Williams White, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Psychology at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, where she codirects the Virginia Tech Autism Clinic. She is also a clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of people affected by neurodevelopmental disorders such as the autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Dr. White is currently conducting a treatment study, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, on high-functioning adolescents with ASD who also struggle with anxiety. She has written extensively on assessment and treatment considerations for people with ASD and has a special interest in interventions for social deficits and co-occurring psychiatric problems, such as anxiety in individuals with ASD.

What sets this book apart from other social skills manuals is its flexibility; it provides a guiding framework that can be easily adapted to any client's or student's needs. White has integrated useful information on a variety of treatment approaches into a cutting-edge synthesis of the best available research and clinical practices. She addresses everything from how to understand and measure target behaviors to how to structure sessions for success, the type of content to cover, and specific strategies to employ. Many case examples make the information easy to understand, and handouts are provided that can be utilized in treatment or teaching. The end result is a book that is very comprehensive and easy to apply--a 'must read' for anyone doing social skills intervention with children with ASD!--Carla A. Mazefsky, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of MedicineWhite's writing reflects an abundance of clinical experience with children and youth with ASD. The book is filled with examples and vignettes illustrating the principles and practices of social skills intervention. This book is a valuable resource for therapists, school-based clinicians, and teachers. It contains a wealth of specific intervention strategies, exercises, and worksheets to aid in the assessment and instruction of social skills. It also will be useful as a text in courses preparing clinicians and educators to work with children and youth with ASD.--Donald Oswald, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University This is an easy, enjoyable read. I was particularly impressed by White's ability to blend empirical data with personal experience. The case studies and examples really brought the book to life and assured me that the information was coming from someone who had been 'in the trenches.' Anyone who endeavors to do social skills training with children and adolescents on the spectrum should make this book a staple in their library.--Lauren M. Hutto, PhD, Regional Multidisciplinary Evaluation and Consulting Center, Florida State University Backed by cutting-edge research and considerable clinical experience, White takes the theoretical and makes it practical. The book offers rationales behind tailor-made training methods for individuals and groups and provides a variety of templates and handouts for use with students and their parents. Whether you want to understand the greatest challenges facing students with autism and related conditions, or you want practical strategies you can start using today, this book should hold a prominent place on your desk.--Katherine A. Briccetti, PhD, school psychologist, Piedmont (California) Unified School DistrictA very useful resource for special educators. The book's logical organization makes the information easy to access. The emphasis on using peers as supports will be appealing to educators who are looking for better ways to provide inclusive school experiences for students with ASD. The chapter on running social skills training groups is especially helpful and practical.--Kimber L. Wilkerson, PhD, Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison-“Serves as a concise, yet thorough, guide to social skills training for children on the higher-functioning end of the autism spectrum….This brief guide contains descriptions of ASD subtypes, various treatment techniques, for differing deficits, social skills training across different settings, and supplemental assessment tools, worksheets, and informational handouts….The clear descriptions of the differing deficits and the various theories explaining ASD symptoms not only give a rationale for social skills training, but also provide readers with a solid foundation on which to determine the most appropriate course of treatment for the children they will be serving.... Dr. White's delicate balance of a strict adherence to empirically driven techniques and provision of real-world examples promotes not only the adoption of strategies supported by research but also provides practical, flexible tips and explanations making this an appropriate and valuable resource for clinicians and educators alike.”--Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2/1/2013

• 1. Introduction2. Clinical Evaluation and Assessment of Social Skills3. Types of Interventions and Adaptations for ASD4. Social Skills Training Groups5. Strategies for Use in the Classroom6. Strategies for the Clinic7. Promoting Social Skills Training at Home8. Improving Social Competence beyond Childhood