Exploring Depression, and Beating the Blues: A CBT Self-Help Guide to Understanding and Coping with Depression in Asperger's Syndrome [ASD-Level 1]

Attwood and Garnett offer this self-help guide for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), particularly Asperger's, who are struggling with depression. The first quarter of the book discusses depression in the context of Asperger's syndrome, beginning with specific challenges of Asperger's that may contribute to developing depression. The diagnostic criteria for depressive disorders are reviewed and the reader is referred to a severity assessment and advised to also seek medical evaluation if symptoms are moderate or severe. Then, the book discusses how a person with Asperger's may experience depression, recommended therapeutic techniques, and cognitive styles associated with Asperger's that influence their experience and treatment. An overview of the self-help program and a pre-assessment are provided. The remaining three-quarters of the book lays out a ten stage CBT-based program to explore and address depression, including many worksheets. Elements include increasing self-awareness, identifying personal strengths, identifying reasons for the depression, learning "emotion repair tools" utilizing art, pleasure, cognitive tools, social tools, and relaxation, developing a safety plan, and imaging the future. Appendices contain exercises for awareness, relaxation, and self-monitoring. The book offers a recommended reading list but has no formal bibliography. Annotation ©2016 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)