- Oxford Library of Psychology
- [UNTITLED]
- Oxford Library of Psychology
- About the Editor
- Contributors
- Beyond Pathology Positive Psychology and Disability
- Understanding Disability A Strengths-Based Approach
- Positive Psychology and Disability A Historical Analysis
- The Impact of the Quality of Life Concept on the Field of Intellectual Disability
- Optimism Within the Context of Disability
- Social Well-Being and Friendship of People with Intellectual Disability
- Exercise, Leisure, and Well-Being for People with Disabilities
- Coping and Disability
- Adaptive Behavior
- Self-Determination
- Self-Determined Learning
- Understanding Hope in Individuals with Disabilities
- Family Perspectives on Child Intellectual Disability Views from the Sunny Side of the Street
- Resilience and Disability Concepts, Examples, Cautions, and Prospects
- Problem Solving and Decision Making
- Forgiveness, Gratitude, and Spirituality
- Career Development and Career Thoughts
- Self-Regulation and Disability
- Disability Studies/Disability Culture
- Positive Behavior Support Foundations, Systems, and Quality of Life
- Supports and Support Needs
- Supported Employment
- Family Quality of Life
- Education
- Aging with Disability
- A Positive Psychology of Physical Disability Principles and Progress
- Cognitive and Developmental Disabilities
- Severe Multiple Disabilities
- Positive Psychology and Children with Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties
- Positive Psychology and Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Limitations to Positive Psychology Predicted by Subjective Well-Being Homeostasis
- Index
Abstract and Keywords
This chapter explores positive psychology as an adjunctive treatment for individuals on the autism spectrum. Positive psychology has the potential to enhance quality of life and emotional well-being by enabling individuals to focus on strengths and by providing hope for the future. An overview of autism characteristics, current practices in autism, and positive psychology in relation to autism interventions illuminates commonalities among treatments. Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often present with comorbid conditions, such as executive dysfunction, anxiety, and depression, that contribute to states of emotional imbalance and negativity. Positive psychology may be useful in moving individuals with ASD away from negativity and immobility, thus yielding beneficial therapeutic results and increasing proactive behavior. Because positive psychology depends on an ability to deal cognitively with life situations, the chapter includes a review of literature pertinent to high-functioning young adults with autism, for whom this intervention may be especially beneficial.
Keywords: positive psychology, autism, autism spectrum disorders, Asperger syndrome
Dianne Zager is Professor of Biology and Health Sciences, Pace University.
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- Oxford Library of Psychology
- [UNTITLED]
- Oxford Library of Psychology
- About the Editor
- Contributors
- Beyond Pathology Positive Psychology and Disability
- Understanding Disability A Strengths-Based Approach
- Positive Psychology and Disability A Historical Analysis
- The Impact of the Quality of Life Concept on the Field of Intellectual Disability
- Optimism Within the Context of Disability
- Social Well-Being and Friendship of People with Intellectual Disability
- Exercise, Leisure, and Well-Being for People with Disabilities
- Coping and Disability
- Adaptive Behavior
- Self-Determination
- Self-Determined Learning
- Understanding Hope in Individuals with Disabilities
- Family Perspectives on Child Intellectual Disability Views from the Sunny Side of the Street
- Resilience and Disability Concepts, Examples, Cautions, and Prospects
- Problem Solving and Decision Making
- Forgiveness, Gratitude, and Spirituality
- Career Development and Career Thoughts
- Self-Regulation and Disability
- Disability Studies/Disability Culture
- Positive Behavior Support Foundations, Systems, and Quality of Life
- Supports and Support Needs
- Supported Employment
- Family Quality of Life
- Education
- Aging with Disability
- A Positive Psychology of Physical Disability Principles and Progress
- Cognitive and Developmental Disabilities
- Severe Multiple Disabilities
- Positive Psychology and Children with Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties
- Positive Psychology and Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Limitations to Positive Psychology Predicted by Subjective Well-Being Homeostasis
- Index
