Building Social Connections in Autism: Health, Happiness, and Community

This edited work builds on contemporary empirical research concerning the central role social competence plays in wellbeing in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Connections in Autism begins with an introduction rooted in development and explores optimal developmental processes and those of individuals with ASD. This edited work builds on contemporary empirical research concerning the central role social competence plays in wellbeing in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Building Social Connections in Autism begins with an introduction rooted in development and explores optimal developmental processes and those of individuals with ASD. A creative mixture of contributions from basic researchers, psychoanalytic therapists, and individuals with autism who share their subjective experience and do research in the field provides for a unique perspective. It explores the adverse subjective outcomes of these processes in individuals with ASD and expands upon the importance of social connection and includes contributions focused on psychotherapeutic interventions to build social competency and caring connections. Clinicians, researchers, trainees, and students will benefit from this text that covers the importance of social competency in individuals with ASD with psychotherapeutic technique and research.