Frightened, Disturbed, Dangerous?

Bo Hejlskov Elvén is a Clinical Psychologist based in Sweden. He is an independent consultant and lecturer on autism and challenging behaviour, and an accredited Studio III trainer. In 2009, he was awarded the Puzzle Piece of the Year prize by the Swedish Autism Society for his lecturing and counselling on challenging behaviour. Sophie Abild is his daughter.

An overwhelming number of persons suffer from mental health problems across their life span. In this important book, the authors describe the critical issues in the psychiatric care of individuals with autism. Written by a father (who is an experienced psychologist), and his daughter (who has suffered from psychiatric disorders), it gives a detailed account of the difficulties faced by persons with autism and related disorders, especially as they transition into adulthood, and sheds light on the challenges faced both by patients and staff. I enjoyed reading the book and recommend it both to parents and caregivers of persons with autism and other developmental disabilities.

• Introduction. Part 1. 1. Always identify who it is that has a problem. 2. People behave well if they can. 3. People do what makes sense. 4. The one that takes responsibility can make a difference. 5. Those who are used to failing learn nothing from failing one more time. 6. You need self-control to be able to cooperate. 7. We all do what we can to maintain self-control. 8. Affect is contagious. 9. Conflicts consist of solutions and Failures require an action plan. 10. We make demands that patients wouldn't make on themselves - but in a way that works. 11. You become a leader when someone follows you. Part 2. 12. We work in a garage. 13. Example situations and Action plans. 14. Study materials. Notes and references.