Clinician's Guide to Mental Health Conditions in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Assessment and Interventions

This guide provides clinicians with a comprehensive and much-needed resource for assessing and treating mental health conditions in adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It covers a wide range of common co-occurring conditions and explores broader issues related to promoting positive mental health and wellbeing.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 448 pages
\n Publication date: 21 October 2019
\n Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
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This comprehensive and much-needed guide addresses the issues faced by clinicians in assessing and treating the range of mental health conditions that can affect adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Its particular focus on adults fills a notable gap in the ASD professional literature, with an extensive array of contributors from across the psychology and healthcare professions.

Covering a wide variety of common co-occurring mental health conditions, including mood disorders, anxiety, psychosis, OCD, personality disorders, and eating disorders, this guide also explores broader issues to do with promoting positive mental health and wellbeing. Authoritative and detailed, this is an essential resource for all clinicians and professionals looking to understand and tailor their approach to mental health in autistic adults, and the need for specific methods and strategies to enhance assessment and treatment.

The prevalence of mental health conditions among adults with ASD is significant, with estimates suggesting that up to 70% may experience at least one such condition. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive and practical approach to assessing and treating these conditions, with a particular emphasis on the unique challenges and considerations that arise in this population.

One of the key challenges in assessing and treating mental health conditions in autistic adults is the presence of comorbidities. Comorbid conditions, which are multiple mental health conditions occurring simultaneously, are common in ASD and can significantly impact an individual's overall mental health and functioning. Examples of comorbid conditions in autistic adults include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders.

Another challenge is the lack of standardized assessment tools and protocols for mental health conditions in ASD. This can make it difficult for clinicians to accurately diagnose and evaluate the severity of mental health conditions, as well as to develop effective treatment plans. The guide addresses this issue by providing a comprehensive review of existing assessment tools and protocols, as well as by proposing new approaches and strategies for assessing and treating mental health conditions in autistic adults.

The guide also explores the importance of early intervention and prevention of mental health conditions in autistic adults. Early intervention can help to reduce the severity and impact of mental health conditions, as well as to improve an individual's overall quality of life. Examples of early intervention strategies include behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and social skills training.

In addition to these challenges, the guide also discusses the broader issues to do with promoting positive mental health and wellbeing in autistic adults. This includes addressing social isolation, sensory issues, and communication difficulties, as well as providing support and resources for caregivers and families.

The guide is written by a team of experts in the field of ASD and mental health, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and occupational therapists. The authors have extensive experience in assessing and treating mental health conditions in autistic adults and have drawn on their expertise to provide a comprehensive and practical guide for clinicians and professionals.

In conclusion, this comprehensive and much-needed guide addresses the issues faced by clinicians in assessing and treating the range of mental health conditions that can affect adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Its particular focus on adults fills a notable gap in the ASD professional literature, with an extensive array of contributors from across the psychology and healthcare professions. By providing a comprehensive and practical approach to assessing and treating these conditions, this guide aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of autistic adults and their families.

\n Weight: 806g\n
Dimension: 249 x 174 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781785924262\n \n