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

This new approach to working with children and young people withautism spectrum disorders (ASD) fosters the characteristics that willbe most useful to them in society and in life in general, dramaticallyenhancing their quality of life. Children with ASD often havedifficulties with communication, emotional regulation, anxiety,executive functioning, and building relationships. Positivepsychology – an approach which encourages individuals tofoster positive emotions and character traits – can improvetheir life in every way, and help to strengthen their ability to copewith everyday challenges and setbacks in these areas.

The authors provide an accessible explanation of the theory behind thepositive psychology approach. They look at five common character traitsin turn – resilience, optimism, kindness, self-efficacy, andhumor – and offer tried-and-tested strategies for bolsteringeach strength. The second part of the book contains rich and variedlesson plans with activities designed to build on the five areasidentified, and which can be easily implemented at home, at school, orin the community.