Conference Day 1
A Different Way of Thinking
Day 1 – Dr. Tony Attwood
Managing Feelings: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to manage anxiety, sadness and anger
The presentation explains why children and adults with Asperger’s syndrome are more prone to develop mood disorders and also explains strategies that can help such individuals learn about and manage emotions.
The Cognitive Behaviour Therapy includes affective education and cognitive restructuring, i.e. improving the understanding of emotions and changing the way the person perceives and responds to emotions. The concept of an emotional toolbox is used to provide a greater range of strategies to manage feelings.
and
Cognitive Abilities: A different way of thinking and learning profile
The unusual profile of cognitive abilities associated with Asperger’s syndrome is described with an emphasis on the profile of intellectual abilities, problems with executive function, attention and weak central coherence. Strategies are described to improve attention, organisational skills and academic achievement.
Bio
Professor Tony Attwood
Tony is a clinical psychologist who has specialised in autism spectrum disorders since he qualified as a clinical psychologist in England in 1975. He works in private practice in Brisbane, but is also adjunct professor at Griffith University, Queensland. His book Asperger’s Syndrome – A Guide for Parents and Professionals has sold over 300,000 copies and has been translated into twenty languages. He has worked with over 6,000 individuals of all ages with Asperger’s syndrome. Tony presents workshops and runs training courses for parents, professionals and individuals with Asperger’s syndrome all over the world and is a prolific author of scientific papers and books on the subject. His new book The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome was published in October 2006.
