Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Adults with Asperger Syndrome
and High-Functioning Autism

October 24, 2008
with Valerie Gaus, PhD

Location:

Harraseeket Inn, Freeport, ME

Course Description:
There are growing numbers of adults diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and High-functioning Autism, as recent awareness has lead to late diagnosis for many. In addition, people who are being diagnosed as children are quickly growing up. Problems faced in daily living often leads these individuals to seek help from therapists. Anxiety, depression, social and occupational difficulties are among the most common reasons. This workshop will describe the features of AS/HFA that make one more vulnerable to mental health problems for affected individuals in all phases of adulthood (late teen/transition through the senior years). Cognitive-behavioral therapy will then be described with a rationale for using those approaches to help these adults improve the quality of their lives.

Course Outline:
8:00 - 8:30 am: Registration & Continental Breakfast
8:30 - 10:15 am: How does AS/HFA present itself in adulthood and what are the typical problems presented to therapists?
10:15 - 10:30 am: Break
10:30 - 12:00 pm: What is CBT and how does it apply to problems faced by people on the spectrum?
12:00 - 1:00 pm: Luncheon at the Inn
1:00 - 2:15 pm: Case examples of CBT approaches
2:15 - 2:30 pm: Break
2:30 - 3:15 pm: Panel Discussion led by Dr. Gaus
3:15 - 3:30 pm: Question/ Answers with Speaker

Course Objectives:

* Understand the typical presenting problems leading older teens and adults to seek psychotherapy services

* Identify the multiple factors maintaining the presenting problems

* Define cognitive behavior therapy and describe why it is effective in treating these problems

* Design an individualized plan for treating the presenting problems in a therapeutic setting

Intended Audience:
This workshop is appropriate for psychologists,social workers, psychotherapists, counselors, psychiatrists, physicians, and all other professionals working with individuals with Asperger’s and High Functioning Autism. Adults with this diagnosis and their families are also encouraged to attend.

For More Information
contact Barbara Freethy Transdisciplinary Workshops, Inc.,
at www.transdis.com - barbara@transdis.net.