Treating Families on the Spectrum

This practical, hands-on guide supports therapists working with children diagnosed with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (ASD), particularly clinicians who may have limited prior experience in this area. As autism diagnoses continue to rise and specialized training remains limited, this “start here” resource offers clear, accessible guidance without overwhelming readers or attempting to turn them into autism specialists. Viewing ASD primarily as a social-communication disorder, the book provides a solid foundation in assessment, treatment approaches, and common clinical challenges. Emphasizing flexibility over formulaic interventions, it equips therapists to support children, families, and communities while fostering effective therapeutic relationships.

Key Features:

• Beginner-friendly, practical guide for therapists new to working with children on the autism spectrum.
• Provides core knowledge on assessment, treatment approaches, and common therapeutic issues in ASD.
• Emphasizes ASD as a social-communication disorder to guide intervention planning.
• Offers strategies for effective communication with parents and assessment of family input.
• Includes tools to determine therapist–client “goodness of fit.”
• Presents a family- and community-centered approach involving siblings, caregivers, and others.
• Provides reproducible intake and assessment forms available for download.