“When I was a teen, many of the exercises and activities in this book would have helped me calm down. ... This book is a real, practical, and positive guide for reducing stress.” —Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures Teens with autism have the potential to be excellent actors. They are natural observers—able to study, imitate, and learn social behavior. The Autism Playbook for Teens is designed to bolster these strengths with mindfulness strategies and roleplaying scripts, while also helping teens reduce anxiety, manage emotions, be more aware in the present moment, and connect with others. This book offers a unique, strengths-based approach to help teens with autism spectrum (including Asperger’s Syndrome) develop social skills, strengthen communication, and thrive. The activities contained in each chapter are custom-designed to work with the unique perspectives, sensory processing, neurological strengths and challenges that teens with autism bring to their encounters with the social world. By engaging in these activities, teens will gain an authentic awareness of their surroundings, leading to better social interaction that is also rewarding, interesting, and fun. The delightful and creative activities in this book are grounded in well-documented clinical observations and current empirical studies. They also take into account the real neurological differences that exist in young people with autism, and focuses on the unique pathways needed to connect with and inspire these exceptional and fabulous teenagers. This is the only book available for teens with autism that specifically integrates mindfulness skills and imaginative scripted roleplaying activities for building authentic social experiences.

When you are starting to learn about autism, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. You might have heard negative things about autism, or feel worried about your child's future. But it is going to be okay. Your kid is still the same kid they were before you knew they were autistic. All the things you love about them haven't changed. Now that you know that they are autistic, you are going to be able to understand them better. That's what this booklet is for. We'll tell you the facts about autism. We'll talk about how to find good services, and about your kid's rights in school. Most importantly, we'll talk about how to support your autistic child as they learn and grow.

Talk show host Holly Robinson Peete pairs with her twins in this narrative about the challenges and triumphs of being a teen who has autism and the effects on family, school, friends, and life. Being a teen is hard enough. But when you have autism--or when your brother or sister is struggling with the disorder--life can be challenging. It's one thing when you're a kid in grade school, and a playdate goes south due to autism in a family. Or when you're a little kid, and a vacation or holiday turns less-than-happy because of an autistic family member. But being a teen with autism can get pretty hairy--especially when you're up against dating, parties, sports, body changes, school, and other kids who just don't 'get' you. In this powerful book, teenagers Ryan Elizabeth Peete and her twin brother, Rodney, who has autism, share their up-close-and-personal experiences on what it means to be a teen living with autism. SAME BUT DIFFERENT, explores the funny, painful, and unexpected aspects of teen autism, while daring to address issues nobody talks about. SAME BUT DIFFERENT underscores tolerance, love, and the understanding that everybody's unique drumbeat is worth dancing to.

The ASD Independence Workbook offers powerful skills to help teens and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) successfully navigate the skills required for daily living and integration into their communities. Teens and young adults with ASD face many unique challenges on the road to growing up. Daily interactions that we often take for granted—yet are imperative for living independently—can be particularly difficult. People with ASD require practice with simple activities and interactions in school, in the community, and on the job site. So how can you help the teen in your life gain the skills needed to successfully transition into adulthood? This easy-to-follow and engaging workbook is designed to help young adults ages fourteen and up develop invaluable communication skills and practice with interactions they would encounter in everyday life. Teens will also find information on topics that are imperative for a successful transition into adulthood—including health and safety, self-care, and more. This unique book not only focuses on what adaptive skills are needed in the real world, but also gives teens with ASD the ability to practice these skills, either independently or with a teacher/caregiver. Give the teen in your life the gift of independence. With this workbook, they will be one step closer to leading full, productive, and meaningful lives. Teens need mental health resources more than ever. With over 1.2 million copies sold worldwide, Instant Help Books for teens are engaging, proven-effective, and recommended by therapists.

Now fully revised and updated, including new and fun activities for dealing with school anxiety, social media overwhelm, bullying, and more. Being a teen is hard enough without anxiety getting in the way. Not only are you changing more than ever before—physically and mentally—you’re also facing an increasing number of global issues, such as pandemics, school violence, and climate change. On top of all these big events, if you suffer from panic attacks, chronic worry, and feelings of isolation, it can be very difficult to meet your goals and succeed. The good news is there are real, powerful ways that you can take control of your anxiety—and your life! In this second edition of Mindfulness for Teen Anxiety, psychologist and learning specialist Christopher Willard offers teens like you proven-effective, mindfulness-based practices to help you cope with your anxiety, identify common triggers (such as dating, social media, or school performance), learn valuable time-management skills, and feel more calm at home, in school, and with friends. You’ll learn doable skills for dealing with specific situations that cause anxiety, such as public speaking, taking tests, meeting new people, and more. You’ll also discover special breathing exercises to help you stay calm in moments of panic, and guided visualization exercises to be cool and collected, even in the tensest situations. If you are ready to move past your anxiety, panic, and worry and start being your best, this workbook will be your guide—every step of the way.

This straightforward guide offers a complete overview of Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome (PDA) and gives practical advice for overcoming the difficulties it poses in a wide range of contexts from diagnosis through to adulthood. Starting with an exploration into the background of PDA that answers many of the immediate questions triggered when a child is first diagnosed, the book goes on to look at the impact of the condition on different areas of the child's life and what can be done to help. The authors present useful information on early intervention options and workable strategies for managing PDA positively on a day-to-day basis. They also examine ways to minimize common difficulties that may be encountered at home and school, making life easier for the child, family and peers. The final chapters tackle new problems that can arise when the teenage years hit and how to assist a successful transition from adolescence to adulthood. Illustrative case examples are included throughout, and the book concludes with a list of valuable resources for further information and advice. Full of helpful guidance and support, this user-friendly introductory handbook is essential reading for anyone caring for, or working with, children with PDA.

Confidence is like a magnet that attracts people to you and helps you get closer to reaching your goals. When you believe in yourself, you send the message that you have the brains, ability, and talent to handle whatever life sends your way. And the truth is, you do! Using powerful skills based in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Think Confident, Be Confident for Teens shows you how to tap into your self-esteem so you can be yourself in every situation, no matter how awkward you feel or scary that may sound. The fun exercises and tips in this confidence-coaching workbook will guide you past feelings of self-doubt and encourage you to believe in yourself, strengthen your friendships, and meet every challenge head-on. • Recognize and overcome the self-doubting thoughts that bring you down • Grow your confident thoughts into confident actions • Enjoy a full social life and attract new friends • Feel smarter at school and build on your extracurricular talents This book has been awarded The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies Self-Help Seal of Merit — an award bestowed on outstanding self-help books that are consistent with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles and that incorporate scientifically tested strategies for overcoming mental health difficulties. Used alone or in conjunction with therapy, our books offer powerful tools readers can use to jump-start changes in their lives.