Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder A Clinical Handbook

Adolescence is a challenging stage for all individuals, especially for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Individuals with ASD face increased social isolation and engage in more challenging behaviors during adolescence. They also experience increased mental health challenges including anxiety and depression, and they are among the least likely of any disability group to attend college, be competitively employed, or live independently. At the same time, adolescents with ASD face a major shift in available services and support as they exit the K-12 educational system. The need to present what is known about this group in order to inform clinicians, researchers, and educators cannot be understated.

Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder synthesizes current science on adolescents and young adults with ASD in order to inform mental health practitioners and education professionals who work directly with these individuals. While early childhood interventions for ASD have been extensively developed and tested, research on adolescents and young adults with ASD has lagged behind until recently. This comprehensive handbook can be utilized to train students and professionals in applied mental health roles. The handbook includes three sections: Part I reviews diagnosis and treatment of adolescents with ASD; Part II details how to support their educational needs; and Part III discusses special populations including college students and young women. Chapters highlight recommendations for clinicians and include study questions and additional resources.

Nicholas W. Gelbar, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in Community Medicine and Health Care at the University of Connecticut Health Center and serves as the Research Director at the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). Dr. Gelbar earned his PhD from the University of Connecticut in Educational Psychology with a concentration in School Psychology. He is also a licensed psychologist whose clinical and research work focus on adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Part I. Diagnosis and Treatment of Adolescents with ASD

Chapter 1: The Challenge of Entering Adulthood for Individuals with ASD
Nicholas W. Gelbar and Daniel T. Volk

Chapter 2: Efficacious Treatments for Common Psychiatric Challenges in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Lisa A. Nowinski, Alyssa Milot, Alanna Gold, and Christopher J. McDougle

Chapter 3: Executive functions in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Yael Dai and Inge-Marie Eigsti

Chapter 4: Anxiety in Adolescents and Adults with ASD
Micah O. Mazurek

Chapter 5: Cognitive Behavioral Approaches for Treating Adolescents with ASD
Caitlin M. Conner, Lindsey DeVries, and Judy Reaven

Part II. Supporting Educational Needs of Adolescents with ASD

Chapter 6: Self-Determination and the Transition to Adulthood for Youth and Young Adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
Michael L. Wehmeyer and Karrie A. Shogren

Chapter 7: Supporting Strong Transitions for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Erik W. Carter

Chapter 8: Employment Training for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
David W. Test, Debra G. Holzberg, Kelly Clark, Misty Terrell, and Dana E. Rusher

Chapter 9: Teaching Skills to Adolescents Using Applied Behavior Analysis
John Molteni

Chapter 10: Managing Challenging Behavior in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Maya Matheis, Jasper A. Estabillo, and Johnny L. Matson

Part III. Special Populations of Adolescents with ASD

Chapter 11: Supporting College Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Nicholas W. Gelbar

Chapter 12: Young Women on the Autism Spectrum
Meng-Chuan Lai, Stephanie H. Ameis, and Peter Szatmari

Chapter 13: Conclusion
Nicholas W. Gelbar