Over The Spectrum

Living Well on the Spectrum

Navigating the "neurotypical" world with Asperger syndrome or high-functioning autism (AS/HFA) can be extremely stressful. But by understanding the specific ways your brain works differently--and how to tap into your personal strengths--you can greatly enhance your well-being. In this wise and practical book, experienced therapist Valerie L. Gaus helps you identify goals that will make your life better and take concrete steps to achieve them. Grounded in psychological science, the techniques in this book help you: *Learn the unspoken rules of social situations.*Improve your communication skills.*Get organized at home and at work.*Manage anxiety and depression.*Strengthen your relationships with family and friends.*Live more successfully on your own or with others. A wealth of stories, questionnaires, worksheets, and concrete examples help you find personalized solutions to problems you are likely to encounter. You can download and print additional copies of the worksheets for repeated use. Of special note, the Introduction was updated in 2017 with the latest information on how autism spectrum disorder is defined in DSM-5. Finally, a compassionate, knowledgeable, positive guide to living well on the spectrum. Mental health professionals, see also the author's Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Second Edition.

Life on the Spectrum

No matter who we are or where we come from, autism has taken us on a common journey. Our faith has given us a common hope. We are different - black, white, male, female - but we all have children with autism. These are our stories: our struggles, our failures and triumphs, our parenting, our faith and a bit of everything in between. Along the way we realized we are not alone. Our lives, though not the ones we imagined, have given us new purpose and meaning. Our children have something unique and beautiful to offer the world. And to us. From creating a new normal for the holidays to re-thinking sibling relationships, from asking "why?!" to how to cope moving forward, Life on the Spectrum faces the reality of living with and loving our autistic children from a perspective of faith. Each chapter begins with a Scripture that has become dear to us, shares our stories, exploring how God's truth can actually be lived out in the messiness of our lives on the spectrum, and ends with questions designed to help us reflect, rethink, and ultimately grow closer to Christ. Come on this journey with us. Be encouraged. You aren't alone either. Life on the Spectrum is a masterpiece! If you are feeling stressed out, stuck, or frustrated with the daily demands and difficulties of raising a child on the Autism Spectrum, this is a MUST READ! These stories are real and raw, written with unabashed honesty and unashamed human fragility. Every page offers a new, hope-filled perspective that will keep you moving forward. You will find refreshment

Natural Language Acquisition on the Autism Spectrum