THE AUTISM PLAYBOOK FOR TEENS.

This book offers a unique, strengths-based approach to help teens with autism spectrum disorder (including Asperger's Syndrome) develop social skills, strengthen communication, and thrive.

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. The activities contained in each chapter are custom-designed to work with the unique perspectives, sensory processing, and 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. Irene McHenry, PhD, is a licensed psychologist who leads programs nationwide with a focus on leadership and mindfulness. She is founding head of Delaware Valley Friends School, cofounder of Greenwood Friends School, founding faculty for Fielding Graduate University's doctoral program in education, and a senior investigator for the Mind and Life Summer Research Institute. She lives in the Greater Philadelphia Area, PA . Carol Moog, PhD, is founder of ImagineAct, is the clinical director of the Social Learning Disorders Program at the University of Pennsylvania, a psychologist at The Miquon School, active collaborator with Autism Inclusion Resources (AIR), and works extensively with children, teens and adults on the autism spectrum in her clinical practice as a licensed psychologist. She lives in the Greater Philadelphia Area, PA . Foreword writer Susan Kaiser Greenland, JD, is a former corporate attorney who developed the Inner Kids mindful awareness program for teens and families.