Overcoming Anxiety and Depression on the Autism Spectrum: A Selfhelp Guide Using CBT

AWARDWINNING FINALIST IN THE PSYCHOLOGY/MENTAL HEALTH CATEGORY OF THE 2016 BEST BOOK AWARDSMany adults on the autism spectrum experience isolation,interpersonal difficulties, anxiety, depressed mood, and coping problems. Awardwinning author Dr. Lee A. Wilkinsons new book presents strategies derived from cognitivebehavioral therapy (CBT), adapted specifically for adults on the higher end of the autism spectrum, to help them overcome anxiety and depression, and improve their psychological wellbeing. It is written for individuals in the early and middle years of adulthood, with and without a formal diagnosis, who share features associated with autism spectrum conditions. It is also appropriate for adults who recognize their autistic traits, even though they may not have experienced major social difficulties and clinical impairment, but who want to improve their emotional wellbeing. The author takes the best of CBT therapeutic techniques to facilitate greater selfunderstanding, selfadvocacy, and better decisionmaking in lifespan activities such as employment and interpersonal relationships.Accessible and easytoread, this selfhelp guide provides evidencebased tools that can be used to learn new selffulfilling ways of thinking,feeling, and doing. It includes questionnaires, forms/worksheets, and exercises to help the reader:Evaluate his or her autistic traits and discover their cognitive style. Identify and modify the thoughts and beliefs that underlie and maintain the cycles of anxiety, depression, and anger. Apply therapeutic techniques such as mindfulness, positive selftalk, guided imagery, and problem solving. Accept their past and achieve unconditional selfacceptance. Deal effectively with perfectionism and low frustration tolerance. Avoid procrastination and learn to maintain positive changes to their progress. Honored as an AwardWinning Finalist in the Psychology/Mental Health category of the 2016 Best Book Awards, Overcoming Anxiety and Depression on the Autism Spectrum: A SelfHelp Guide Using CBT is an essential selfhelp book for adults on the higher end of the spectrum looking for ways to understand and cope with their emotional challenges and improve their psychological wellbeing. Family members, friends, and others touched by autism will also find this selfhelp book a valuable resource.