This chapter is a comprehensive discussion of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across the globe (e.g., United States, China, Brazil, Japan and Turkey). Topics that are discussed include the following: diagnostic criteria and approaches; international perspectives of ASD; western and eastern assessment practices; cultural considerations of assessment…

An eclectic form of psychodynamic psychotherapy is presented to address the emotional problems of exceptionally and profoundly gifted adolescents and adults. The approach includes cognitive/behavioral techniques as well as psychologically informed mentoring, coaching, and advising. Once a psychodynamic formulation was established, it was used to…

This article presents facts about and suggestions for dealing with depression, an affective disorder which is estimated to afflict 15 percent of adults in any given year. Special emphasis is given to the growing trends of depression and suicide among adolescents. (CB)

Manifestations of depression in three adults wth Down syndrome, one of whom also exhibited anorexia nervosa, are described. Overall findings indicate that major depression in Down syndrome may be more frequent than previously assumed and that it can be diagnosed with standard diagnostic criteria, modified according to the patient's developmental…

The interpersonal (e.g., manipulative, deceitful) and affective (e.g., callous, unemotional) features associated with adult psychopathy have been identified in children and adolescents. Although early research suggests that these features have clinical utility in identifying a particularly severe and recalcitrant form of antisocial behavior with…

Discusses the interactive nature of adult illiteracy and emotional maladjustment. Specific emphasis is placed on describing a series of psychological barriers to learning: ambivalence about success; fear of risk taking; overdependence on authority figures; tension; defensive dominance; and intrusive memories of poor learning experiences. A group…

Argues that most young children were probably not emotionally distressed by the 1986 Challenger Space Shuttle accident or by media reports of the accident because they are most upset by visual ugliness or televised depictions that personally threaten their sense of well-being, neither of which was present in the televised reports. (MBR)

Intervention in the form of confrontational and didactic counseling was used with a blind adult male demonstrating behavior and attitudinal problems in his sheltered workshop setting. The intensive intake counseling prior to rehabilitation services and teaching of job-seeking skills resulted in the client obtaining and keeping a white collar…

Describes and distinguishes between symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder without (ADD) and with hyperactivity (ADHD). Notes that confusion exists in distinguishing between problems related to ADD and ADHD and problems related to other causes. A fictitious case study demonstrates problems of families with children with ADD and ADHD. A multimodal…

A 39-year-old man who was blind, diabetic, and had a double amputation with chronic renal failure and peripheral vascular disease was treated with thermal biofeedback to reduce his depression through increased self-control, to minimize pain, and to facilitate healing of a pregangrenous hand. On treatment discharge, his mental and physical states…

Mental health professionals are becoming more aware of problems resulting from trauma. The earlier a trauma is identified and treated the better the chances of recovery, yet professionals do not always recognize symptoms or know what to do. If no one notices or intervenes, childhood abuse can lead to serious mental health problems in the adult…