College on the Autism Spectrum: A Parent's Guide to Students' Mental Health and Wellbeing

by Laurie Leventhal-Belfer, Dr Anthony Attwood (Foreword by)

Overview

Providing expert yet accessible guidance to parents of young autistic people who are going to college, this book helps parents support their child from application through to graduation.

Covering social issues, independent living, academic challenges, student services and emotional wellbeing, this is the one-stop shop for advice on the transition from school to college or university. The book examines the skills that students need to live and function at college, and the skills parents need to let their teens navigate college without a parent as intermediary. It offers ways to combat common problems that affect the mental health of people on the spectrum, such as keeping up with homework, fast-paced classes, and complex social expectations.

This book is for any parent considering college as an option for their child, disability service providers in colleges and for autistic students themselves.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781785925931
Publisher:	Kingsley, Jessica Publishers
Publication date:	03/19/2020
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	5.35(w) x 8.43(h) x 0.63(d)

About the Author

Laurie Leventhal-Belfer is a clinical psychologist based in California who specializes in a taking a developmental approach to understanding mental health disorders. She has worked with autism for 25 years and has expertise in children, teens and young adults with Anxiety Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders /Asperger's Disorder, Stress and Coping and Emotional Regulation Issues. She also works with adults married to a partner on the spectrum and parents of children and has published 2 books with JKP before. She is the founder and director of The Friends Program, a therapeutic group program for high functioning children on the Autistic Spectrum and their parents. The narratives in her upcoming book are drawn from interviews of several young adults and their parents who participated in The Friends Program when they were in elementary school.

Table of Contents

Foreword; Preface; 1: Being on the Spectrum; 2: The Transition to College-How Parents Can Help; 3: College Freshman Basics; 4: Emotional Challenges; 5: Mental Health Issues; 6: Mental Health Services in Today's Colleges; 7: Lessons Learned and Looking Forward; Appendices; References; Further Reading

Editorial Reviews

Dr. Leventhal-Belfer writes an indispensable guide for preparing children with autistic spectrum disorder going to college. Her years of experience and close connections with patient families lead to clear and concise recommendations for parents. Dr. Leventhal-Belfer shares a detailed and nuanced knowledge of the specific opportunities and requirements for obtaining academic and general accommodations through the university.

Dr Michael F Haberecht

This book can truly serve as a lifesaving guide to parents of individuals with ASD who are getting ready to embark on the scary journey of sending their child to college. Frank advice, from parents, individuals with ASD and therapist is provided, offering easy strategies for greatest success.

Cheryl Klaiman Ph.D. Program Director

Laurie has been working with high functioning children and adolescents on the autism spectrum and their families for 28 years and her experience and wisdom have contributed to writing a highly recommended guide for parents. The guide will encourage the mental health and well being of the college student who has autism as well as their parents.

Tony Attwood

We were very fortunate to have Dr. Laurie provide us with the guidance on how to help our son, who was diagnosed with ASD when he was very young. Dr. Laurie was there whenever we were faced with challenges related to ASD. "The Mental Health and Well-being of College Students on the Autism Spectrum: A Guide for Parents" is an invaluable resource and must-read for parents who have a college-bound child with ASD. Dr. Laurie's knowledge of the college environment helped our son navigate through the complex process and get the help he needed to successfully graduate college.

JoAnn Mendonca