Valerie L. Gaus 
Living Well on the Spectrum 
How to Use Your Strengths to Meet the Challenges of Asperger Syndrome/High-Functioning Autism

Navigating the ‘neurotypical’ world with Asperger syndrome or high-functioning autism (AS/HFA) can be extremely stressful. But by understanding the specific ways your brain works differently–and how to tap into your personal strengths–you can greatly enhance your well-being. In this wise and practical book, experienced therapist Valerie L. Gaus helps you identify goals that will make your life better and take concrete steps to achieve them. Grounded in psychological science, the techniques in this book help you: *Learn the unspoken rules of social situations.*Improve your communication skills.*Get organized at home and at work.*Manage anxiety and depression.*Strengthen your relationships with family and friends.*Live more successfully on your own or with others. A wealth of stories, questionnaires, worksheets, and concrete examples help you find personalized solutions to problems you are likely to encounter. You can download and print additional copies of the worksheets for repeated use. Of special note, the Introduction was updated in 2017 with the latest information on how autism spectrum disorder is defined in DSM-5. Finally, a compassionate, knowledgeable, positive guide to living well on the spectrum.

Table of Content

Foreword, Stephen Shore Introduction. How to Get the Most Out of This Book I. Life on the Spectrum1. A Typical Day in Your Life: Problems and Solutions2. A Unique Brain: How Thinking Differences Can Affect Your Daily Life3. How Social Differences Can Be Vulnerabilities and Strengths4. The Role of Your Emotional Differences5. How Sensory and Movement Differences Can Affect Your Interactions with Your Environment II. Positive Solutions for a Quality Life6. Positive Solutions: Your Bag of Tricks7. At Home8. At Work9. At School10. In the Community11. Building Friendships12. Dating, Sex, and Marriage13. Health14. Putting Yourself in Charge of Your Life and Finding Help When You Need It Appendix: Problem-Solving Worksheet Resources

About the author

Valerie L. Gaus, Ph D, is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Long Island, New York. She has provided mental health services to people with autism spectrum disorder since receiving her doctorate in 1992. Dr. Gaus serves on the advisory board of the Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association and on the grant review committee of the Organization for Autism Research, and has lectured internationally on Asperger syndrome and related topics. She is the author of Living Well on the Spectrum (for the general public) as well as an acclaimed book for therapists on conducting cognitive-behavioral therapy with people on the spectrum.