Exploring Depression and Beating the Blues: A CBT Self-Help Guide To Understanding And Coping With Depression In Asperger's Syndrome (ASD-Level 1)

For people with ASDs, depression is common, and has particular features and causes. This outstanding book provides a comprehensive review of these aspects, and an effective self-help guide for anyone with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affected by depression.

Written by the leading experts in the field, the book explains and describes depression, the forms it can take, and how it looks and feels for a person on the autism spectrum. The authors draw on the latest thinking and research to suggest strategies for coping with the effects of depression and provide a complete step-by-step CBT self-help programme, designed specifically for individuals with ASDs. The programme helps increase self-awareness, including identifying personal triggers, and provides the tools to combat depression.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Why we created the Exploring Depression Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) programme.

1. Why Does Someone with Asperger's Syndrome Become Depressed?
2. The Nature of Depression.
3. How Does Depression Look and Feel for a Person with Asperger's Syndrome?
4. What Type of Therapy Works for a Person with Asperger's Syndrome?
5. The Perception, Learning and Thinking Style Associated with Asperger's Syndrome.
6. Overview of the 10-Stage CBT Programme Exploring Depression.
7. Assessment Before Starting the Programme.
8. Stage 1: Qualities and Abilities.
9. Stage 2: What is Depression?
10. Stage 3: Tools to Combat Depression.
11. Stage 4: Art and Pleasure Tools.
12. Stage 5: Thinking Tools (part 1).
13. Stage 6: Thinking Tools (part 2) and Social Tools.
14. Stage 7: Thinking Tools (part 3) and Relaxation Tools.
15. Stage 8: Relaxation and Helpful and Unhelpful Tools.
16. Stage 9: A Safety Plan.
17. Stage 10: The Future. Recommended reading.

Appendices:

1. Bringing the Body into Awareness.
2. Positive Personality Adjectives.
3. Bringing the Five Senses into Awareness.
4. Daily Energy Account Form.
5. Websites/Blogspots/Support Information.
6. Relaxation for Self-awareness.
7. Time Machine Activity.
8. Mood Diary Dimensions.

"A marvellous book that focuses on an important (and underserved) clinical problem. Full of practical advice the book offers many insights and approaches to intervention. It will be of great value to individuals with autism and Asperger's and those who support them."
- Fred R Volkmar, M.D., Irving B. Harris Professor, Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine

"The authors have created an outstanding text which is simultaneously complete yet brief, scientific yet empathic, and based on well-established principles yet groundbreaking."
- Martin L. Kutscher, MD., pediatric behavioral neurologist and author of ‘Kids in the Syndrome Mix’ and ‘Digital Kids’

"Exploring Depression and Beating the Blues is a much needed resource, in light of how common depression is among teens and adults with autism spectrum disorder. Based in established cognitive-behavioral principles of change, this user-friendly book provides poignant first-person accounts and direct, informative psychoeducation. Although developed as a self-help guide for use with minimal support from a professional, it can also be used in group or individual treatment. I have no doubt this will be a valuable resource for people with ASD struggling with depression, and their loved ones."
- Susan W. White, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, USA

"This book is a critical resource for anyone with Asperger's Syndrome struggling with depression. It offers clear step-by-step exercises for strengthening self-awareness, positive energy, social relatedness, and pleasurable activities that can lessen despair and increase a sense of hope and value in life. This user-friendly self-help book is a must-have for teens and adults on the spectrum looking for evidence-based tools to help them lead happier lives."
- Angela Scarpa, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of the Virginia Tech Center for Autism Research