How Everyone on the Autism Spectrum, Young and Old, Can . . .: Become Resilient, Be More Optimistic, Enjoy Humor, Be Kind, and Increase Self-Efficacy

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 on the autism spectrum.

Ayelet Kantor Ph.D. is an Associate Director at the Groden Center, and has worked as a parent support group consultant, as an educator in the early intervention program, and as a supervisor and coordinator of professional teams.

Lewis P. Lipsitt Ph.D. is Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Medical Science, and Human Development at Brown University. He founded and directed Brown's Child Study Center for 25 years, and is an internationally known scholar in the field of child behavior and development.

Cooper R. Woodard Ph.D. is Director of Clinical Services and Training at the Groden Center, a visiting professor at the University of Rhode Island, a visiting professor at Wheaton College, Norton, MA, and a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst.

June Groden Ph.D. has been Director of the Groden Center, an educational and treatment facility for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities in Providence, Rhode Island, since 1976. Dr. Groden is an adjunct professor at Salve Regina and the University of Rhode Island and is on the Panel of Professional Advisors of the Autism Society of America. She has written many books, chapters and journal articles on autism, and is well known for her work in stress and anxiety in the population with autism.