In this honest and practical guide, autistic therapist Raelene Dundon explores and demystifies how neurodiversity affirming principles can be easily applied to therapeutic practice. Covering essential considerations for working with neurodivergent clients such as presuming competence, promoting autonomy and respecting communication styles, and providing advice on the best affirming approaches in therapy including how to accommodate sensory needs and encourage self-advocacy, Raelene provides easy-to-implement ways to make your practice inclusive and empowering for neurodivergent children and young people. The deficit model is out. It's time to become neurodiversity affirming.

Autistic children and teens may have a challenging time understanding their diagnosis and neurodivergence. Professionals and parents may also struggle with understanding autism and neurodiversity. This guidebook is designed to help professionals and parents utilize neurodiversity affirming approaches to explain autism to children and teens. The first half of the guidebook provides a through explanation of neurodiversity and addressing and working with autistic children and teens through a neurodiversity affirming approach. Listening to autistic voices and working from a strengths-based approach are highlighted. The second half of the book presents a series of worksheets, each covering a different topic related to gaining awareness about self and autism and helping children and teens accurately understand what it means to be autistic. Through each worksheet, children and teens can express their thoughts and feelings and ask questions. The guidebook also provides a guide for professionals and parents offering instructions, information, and suggestions for implementing and processing through each worksheet page. Professionals and parents will find Understanding Autism a valuable tool in assisting autistic children and teens. Children and teens will enjoy the engaging worksheets as they discover and process through their identity.

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) presents a unique challenge for professionals, whereby conventional therapy methods are often perceived as demands and met with opposition where they normally would have proven effective. This guide sets out the most effective strategies for clinicians to provide the best care for children with PDA, adapting conventional modes of therapy to suit their needs. Methods include indirect techniques such as play-based therapy or trauma-informed approaches enabling the child to process their experiences on their own terms. With additional guidance for supporting the families of patients and addressing common obstacles, this book provides understanding and guidance for professionals making a difference to the lives of children with PDA.

Autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities -- Foundations of autplay therapy -- The autplay therapy approach -- Research and case studies -- Emotional regulation interventions -- Social skills interventions -- Connection interventions -- Additional resources.

This book serves as a guide to key topics regarding pediatric gender identity to help clinicians better care for transgender and gender diverse youth. Written by experts in the field, it covers critical considerations for child health providers from a variety of disciplines in a range of clinical settings. Patients, families and other community agencies can also find useful information about current practices and recommendations for care and support. The text begins by overviewing terminology, epidemiology, gender identity development, and relevant neurobiology. Next, the text focuses on the emergence of affirmative treatment paradigms using a patient-centered, consent based framework. Topics include psychotherapeutic support, gender-affirming medical and surgical care, management of co-existing psychiatric conditions, sexual health and fertility, legal considerations, international considerations, and more. Pediatric Gender Identity can be used as a framework to address core clinical issues and offers practical considerations for gender-affirming care. Using the growing science and understanding of gender development, this book is an excellent resource for all professionals working with gender diverse youth, including child and adolescent psychiatrists, pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, psychologists, therapists, researchers, school and educational leaders, and students.

Connect with friends and care for your emotions—for teens on the spectrum Social situations can feel mysterious or tricky to navigate—and if you are on the autism spectrum, they can feel overwhelming. The Social Survival Guide for Teens on the Autism Spectrum unlocks socialization secrets and helps you understand your feelings. Autism books for kids don’t always address teenagers’ needs, but the practical tips and step-by-step guides in this handbook are perfect for ages 12-16. Learn how to handle situations like managing anxiety, starting a conversation, understanding sarcasm, and dealing with conflict. Build stronger social skills and take care of your emotional health at the same time. This guide can help you feel more confident—and more connected to people you care about. Build new social interaction skills with: Friend fundamentals—Understand what makes a good friend, and learn about informal conversation, nonverbal communication, online etiquette, and more. Social essentials—Discover strategies for joining a group activity, staying flexible, saying no when you need to, and other topics essential to autism books for kids. Insight into you—You are your friend, too! Learn to recognize and express emotions, boost your mood with positive self-talk, and more. Feel more confident and build valued friendships with this helpful handbook.

Play-Based Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Developmental Disabilities contains a wide selection of play therapy interventions for use with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders, dysregulation issues, or other neurodevelopmental disorders. The structured interventions focus on improvement in social skills, emotional regulation, connection and relationship development, and anxiety reduction. Special considerations for implementing structured interventions and an intervention tracking sheet are also presented. This valuable tool is a must have for both professionals and parents working on skill development with these populations.