Autism Aspergers: Solving the Relationship Puzzle

by Steven E Gutstein PH.D

Overview

Steve Gutstein, psychologist and autism specialist, sought to discover why children with autism lack the social skills that come so easily to the rest of us. The result of his efforts is an innovative program - Relationship Development Intervention - that take social skills teaching to the next level. You'll learn about the social development pathway of the nondisabled child and the life-changing detour taken by children on the autism spectrum. However, instead of leaving you there, Autism/Aspergers: Solving the Relationship Puzzle describes ways to steer children with autism onto a bright new path of self discovery and social awareness, one that will ultimately bring them home to meaningful friendships, shared emotions and heartfelt connection with the people in their lives.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781885477705
Publisher:	Future Horizons, Inc.
Publication date:	01/28/2000
Edition description:	WORKBOOK
Pages:	186
Product dimensions:	8.05(w) x 11.18(h) x 0.47(d)

About the Author

Prior to 1987, Dr. Gutstein was a nationally renowned developer of innovative clinical programs for children with high-risk conditions. In 1983, he received the largest grant ever awarded by the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, to develop a family-based intervention program for seriously suicidal adolescents. Dr. Gutstein earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Case Western Reserve University. Between 1979 and 1987 he served as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas Medical School. During this period, Dr. Gutstein also served as the director of Pediatric Psychology for Texas Children's Hospital. He is currently Director of The Connections Center.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Preface
Introduction
Isaac
Experience Sharing
Autism: Life Without Experience Sharing
Relational Development Intervention
Principles of Treatment
Level One: Laying the Foundation for Relational Development
Level Two: Becoming an Apprentice
Level Three: You & Me: Working Together as Partners
Level Four: Sharing Our Worlds
Level Five: Sharing Our Minds: The Inner Game
Level Six: True Friends
Afterword
Appendix I: Glossary
Appendix II: Six Levels of Experience Sharing
Appendix III: Research on Social Development in Autism
References
 

What People are Saying About This

Dr. Tony Attwood

A remarkable intervention program!

Barbara Adcock

For me the book was like having a world atlas at my fingertips. I could easily see where we have been, and can get an overview of the terrain ahead. I know that working with our son will be a life long project, and finding a program that helps him have a more productive life later by teaching him relationship skills now is a gift that I can give him.

From the Publisher

“Teachers are fueled by the idea that maybe, sometimes, we make a difference. The concepts and activities offered in this book show me how I can help a child find true joy in relationships ... a very exciting prospect, indeed!”
Debra Hall Boss, Educator

 

“Steve Gutstein's Relational Development Intervention program is designed to encourage genuine reciprocal relationships...Because his approach is quite different from conventional social skills programs, we benefit from not only new insight, but practical strategies for parents and professionals as well… This book will undoubtedly help to solve the relationship puzzle.”
Tony Attwood, Ph.D., Internationally recognized expert on Asperger Syndrome
 

“Steve Gutstein has distilled his clinical experience with individuals with autism, Asperger’s and PDD into a comprehensive and comprehensible handbook on social and emotional development. It’s value for therapists, parents and people with autism is immeasurable....”
Leonard A. Zwelling, Director of Research, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Clinic and father of a son with AS
 

Editorial Reviews

“Teachers are fueled by the idea that maybe, sometimes, we make a difference. The concepts and activities offered in this book show me how I can help a child find true joy in relationships ... a very exciting prospect, indeed!”
Debra Hall Boss, Educator

 

“Steve Gutstein's Relational Development Intervention program is designed to encourage genuine reciprocal relationships...Because his approach is quite different from conventional social skills programs, we benefit from not only new insight, but practical strategies for parents and professionals as well… This book will undoubtedly help to solve the relationship puzzle.”
Tony Attwood, Ph.D., Internationally recognized expert on Asperger Syndrome
 

“Steve Gutstein has distilled his clinical experience with individuals with autism, Asperger’s and PDD into a comprehensive and comprehensible handbook on social and emotional development. It’s value for therapists, parents and people with autism is immeasurable....”
Leonard A. Zwelling, Director of Research, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Clinic and father of a son with AS
 

From the Publisher