Young children with autism have particular difficulty in understanding and controlling their emotions, especially when those emotions are negative. This practical manual for professionals provides a set of simple strategies to help children with high-functioning autism or Asperger's syndrome who suffer from mood difficulties to decrease negative feelings and increase positive feelings in daily life.

Using a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach, The Stress and Anger Management Program (STAMP) is designed specifically for young children in their pre-school and early school years. The book outlines a 9-session group program using methods, games and activities that are developmentally appropriate. Treatment components include affective education, cognitive restructuring, social and group stories, and the emotional toolbox. The group therapy can be tailored for individual therapy when needed. A parental component is also included to support practice at home and promote generalization outside of the classroom or therapy setting.

This is a dynamic and effective resource for professionals working with young children with autism spectrum disorders including teachers, guidance counselors, psychologists, speech therapists, behavioral therapists, occupational therapists, and social workers.

This book is aimed at children in secondary school.

There are 152 pages in this book. This book was published 2012 by Jessica Kingsley Publishers .

Tony Attwood, PhD, is a clinical psychologist from Brisbane, Australia, with over 30 years of experience with individuals with autism spectrum disorders. He is currently Adjunct Professor at Griffith University in Queensland. Angela Scarpa, PhD, is an associate professor of psychology at Virginia Tech, a licensed clinical psychologist, and Founder and Co-Director of the Virginia Tech Autism Clinic. Before joining the Virginia Tech faculty, she held faculty positions at Eastern Washington University and the University of Georgia. She conducts research and treatment related to the mental health of children, adolescents, and young adults, with a focus on autism spectrum disorders, as well as disruptive behaviour problems. She has published widely in academic journals, presents at scientific and community meetings, and chairs the New River Valley Autism Action Group. Anthony Wells, PhD, is an adjunct professor at Virginia Western Community College, and an outpatient clinician based in Roanoke, Virginia. He received his PhD in Psychology from Virginia Tech in 2010. His work focussed on the role of social support in emotion regulation. During his time at Virginia Tech, he served as one of the first therapists for the STAMP program and was closely involved in its development.

This book has the following chapters: Introduction. General Tips. Suitability for the Group. Assessments. Troubleshooting. Other Practical Issues. List of Recommended Materials. How to Use this Manual. Session 1. Session 2. Session 3. Session 4. Session 5. Session 6. Session 7. Session 8. Session 9. Appendix A: Children's Stories Used in STAMP. Appendix B: Parent Assessments. Appendix C: Child Assessments.