This important volume provides a theoretical framework for the usefulness of the stress construct in understanding and treating autism. Contributions by researchers, clinicians, teachers and persons living with autism illustrate how stress influences the lives of persons with autism; how those touched by autism cope with stress; and how clinicians, teachers and caregivers can reduce the impact of stress in autism, experience of stress in autism, and daily-life strategies for the reduction of stress in autism.Narratives by individuals with autism, family members, clinicians, and a historian help to understand in a rich and unique way in which the role and impact of stress in the life of people living with autism. First-person accounts also highlight creative coping strategies over a lifetime. This volume's biological, psychological and social perspectives on stress and autism reflect many modes of inquiry and types of information. Stress and Autism will be of great help to both mental health professionals and caregivers alike.

Encouraging people on the autism spectrum to foster positive emotions and character traits can dramatically improve their lives in every way, and help to strengthen their ability to cope with everyday challenges and setbacks.Drawing on the key concepts of positive psychology, this book looks in detail at five positive character traits - resilience, optimism, humor, kindness, and self-efficacy - and offer tried and tested strategies for bolstering each strength in individuals with ASD. The authors provide rich and varied lesson plans which contain a multitude of activities designed to build on the five areas identified, and which can be easily implemented at home, at school, or in the community.This complete "toolkit" provides parents, educators and other professionals with everything they need to know to use positive psychology strategies to support people of all ages and abilities on the autism spectrum.

This important volume provides a theoretical framework for the usefulness of the stress construct in understanding and treating autism. Contributions by researchers, clinicians, teachers and persons living with autism illustrate how stress influences the lives of persons with autism; how those touched by autism cope with stress; and how clinicians, teachers and caregivers can reduce the impact of stress in autism, experience of stress in autism, and daily-life strategies for the reduction of stress in autism.Narratives by individuals with autism, family members, clinicians, and a historian help to understand in a rich and unique way in which the role and impact of stress in the life of people living with autism. First-person accounts also highlight creative coping strategies over a lifetime. This volume's biological, psychological and social perspectives on stress and autism reflect many modes of inquiry and types of information. Stress and Autism will be of great help to both mental health professionals and caregivers alike.

Encouraging people on the autism spectrum to foster positive emotions and character traits can dramatically improve their lives in every way, and help to strengthen their ability to cope with everyday challenges and setbacks.Drawing on the key concepts of positive psychology, this book looks in detail at five positive character traits - resilience, optimism, humor, kindness, and self-efficacy - and offer tried and tested strategies for bolstering each strength in individuals with ASD. The authors provide rich and varied lesson plans which contain a multitude of activities designed to build on the five areas identified, and which can be easily implemented at home, at school, or in the community.This complete "toolkit" provides parents, educators and other professionals with everything they need to know to use positive psychology strategies to support people of all ages and abilities on the autism spectrum.