Sociotherapeutic interventions for children with Asperger Syndrome

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In recent years, the number of children diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome has risen considerably – and, likewise, has the demand for qualified staff. This book is primarily addressed to social workers who work in this realm, particularly to those among them who conduct in-home interventions. It offers some background information on Asperger Syndrome, providing practitioners with a brief overview of diagnostic criteria and diagnostic instruments, of comorbid conditions and explanatory approaches of this still rather little known condition. As its main part, the book presents an analysis of four brief situations which, or elements of which, social workers might encounter in their work. Each situation is analyzed by employing the method of functional behavior assessment, a method used in behavior therapy. Then, the various sociotherapeutic tasks arising from the diagnosis are identified. Last but not least, the author suggests suitable sociotherapeutic interventions for each of the identified tasks hoping that these might prove useful and inspiring to fellow practitioners.