Systemically Treating Autism

Systemically Treating Autism provides a unique resource for family therapists and other mental health professionals who want to increase their understanding of families with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Through a combination of research, practical interventions, and case vignettes, this text covers the diagnosis of ASD, how ASD impacts the family, systemic theories that can be used when treating families with children with ASD, spirituality and cultural dynamics, and collaboration with other professionals. Providing a systemic framework for conceptualizing a diagnosis that is typically discussed from an individual perspective, this book guides mental health clinicians toward a better understanding of how they can help the entire family unit.

Brie Turns, PhD, LMFT-A is an assistant professor at Fuller Theological Seminary-Arizona and provides clinical treatment to families raising a child with autism spectrum disorder at the Family Christian Counseling Center. Julie Ramisch, PhD, LMFT is the director of Coastal Center for Collaborative Health where she offers counseling, supervises other therapists, and authors publications about working with families with children with autism spectrum disorder. Jason Whiting, PhD, LMFT is a professor at Brigham Young University where he researches conflict and challenges in families. He is the author of books and blogs to help strengthen couples.

Introduction SECTION I: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders Chapter 1: A Century of Autism: The Story of the Diagnosis Chapter 2: It's a Wide the Spectrum: Understanding the Characteristics and Tendencies of ASD Chapter 3: It May Not Be ASD: Distinguishing Autism Spectrum Issues from Other Diagnoses SECTION II: Autism, The Family, and The Wider Community Chapter 4: The Parental Subsystem: The Effects of Raising a Child with ASD Chapter 5: How to Assist and Empower Parents Raising a Child with ASD Chapter 6: The Sibling Subsystem: The Effects of Being Raised with an Individual with ASD Chapter 7: Providing Resources for Neurotypical Siblings of Children with ASD Chapter 8: Autism and Society: How ASD Influences the Extended Family and Society SECTION III: Applying Systemic Theories Chapter 9: The Use of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy with Families Chapter 10: Focusing on Emotions of Couples: Tailoring Emotionally Focused Therapy to Couples with Children with ASD Chapter 11: Using Bowen Family Systems Theory with Families Chapter 12: Decoding the Puzzle of Fairness: Using Contextual Family Therapy with Families Chapter 13: Parent-Child Interaction Therapy with Families SECTION V: ASD through the Lifespan Chapter 14: Empowering Parents After a Recent Diagnosis Chapter 15: Empowering Families During Early and Middle Childhood Chapter 16: Empowering Families Transitioning into High School Chapter 17: Empowering Families Transitioning into Early Adulthood Chapter 18: Empowering Families Deciding Between Home or Placement and Coping with Placement Decisions Chapter 19: Assisting the Family After Divorce or Separation SECTION VI: Special Topics Chapter 20: Arranging an Appropriate Therapeutic Environment Chapter 21: Spirituality and the Family Unit Chapter 22: Caregiver and Professional Perspectives: From Financial Planning Obstacles to Optimizing the Future Chapter 23: Evidence-Based Practices Chapter 24: It Takes a Village: Collaborating with Mental Health Professionals Chapter 25: Helping the Family Communicate with Technology Chapter 26: Self-Compassion and Raising a Child with ASD