Supporting the Wellbeing of Autistic Children and Young People (An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Approach to Building Emotional Resilience)

Raising an autistic child is a uniquely rewarding journey, filled with moments of joy, love and connection. However, it can also bring challenges that require understanding, patience, and new ways of looking at emotional growth and resilience. Supporting an autistic child effectively often requires two interlocking approaches: 1) changing the world around them to make it more inclusive; and 2) teaching them skills to better navigate that world. This book does both. It provides a range of learning exercises based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (and the closely related DNA-V - a contextual behavioural science model that stands for Discoverer, Noticer, Advisor, and Values) to build and enhance psychological flexibility, and it also describes the basis for making adaptations to the environment to mitigate stresses and frustrations. Whatever your situation or level of knowledge, this book offers insights, practical strategies and real-life examples that will help guide you and your child on your journey to a rewarding life together.