This book is essential reading for any clinician or researcher working with teens with autism spectrum disorders. This parent-assisted intervention for teens is based on a comprehensive, evidence-based, 14-week program at UCLA’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, the manualization of the popular UCLA PEERS Program, and the success of theChildren’s Friendship Training (Routledge, 2002) manual for children.
After reviewing techniques designed to help parents and therapists tailor the manual to the needs of the teens with whom they are working, the text moves on to the individual treatment sessions and strategies for tackling issues such as developing conversational skills, choosing friends, using humor, get-togethers, teasing, bullying, gossiping, and handling disagreements. Each session chapter includes handouts, homework assignments, descriptions of what to expect (and how to handle challenges in delivering the intervention), and customized tips for both parents and therapists.
Content Sections include: Introduction, Preparing for Treatment, Treatment Sessions, References, Appendices, and Index. Within Section III Treatment Sessions there are 17 Sessions that cover Conversational Skills, Electronic Communication, Choosing Appropriate Friends, Appropriate Use of Humor, Get-Togethers, Good Sportsmanship, Rejection - Teasing and Embarrassing Feedback, Bullying and Bad Reputatioins, Handling Disagreements, Rumors and Gossip, Graduation and Termination, and Case Examples.
