Aid To Adolescences With Asperger Syndrome In Self-Exploring: Tony Attwood Method

Abstract

The “Exploring Feelings” program designed by Australian psychologist Tony Attwood for group work with Asperger syndrome adolescents is presented. The necessity of psychological support of adolescents and adults with ASD is proved, its main directions are described, the content of the sessions is outlined. Procedures and methods engaged in the program are presented including the emotional toolbox method for managing emotions (physical, social, thinking tools). The participants learn to recognize “poisonous thoughts” (which destabilize the state of the mind) and to design alternative “antidote thoughts”. Presenting the “Exploring Feelings” program is accompanied by the comments about the importance of such kind of psychological training for adolescents and adults with ASD and other categories of children and adolescents.

Keywords

• ASD (autism spectrum disorder)
• thoughts
• feelings
• anxiety