The Beauty and Burden of Autism: Illustrated Guide and Workbook in Color Paperback – Large Print, July 1, 2024

This book helps the public at large, and therapists in particular, to understand what it means to have a brain on the less autistic end of the autism spectrum. Often problematically called, "High Functioning Autism," such individuals are commonly overlooked in life and in therapy practices, although they may have many challenges and gifts as well. The book has many dozens of illustrations. Dr Paulsen's original cartoons help telegraph concepts and experiences rapidly, helping those unfamiliar with autism to quickly absorb key ideas. The organizing principle in the book is that these beautiful and gifted brains often come with challenges and burdens, especially, nervous system overwhelm. The book and images make sense of varied problems experienced by the autistic person and the people who love and know them, and those who endeavor to help them in psychotherapy. Finally, the book illustrates the role of psychological trauma in the lives of autistic individuals, how therapists can help, and by implication, what autistic clients might expect in therapy related to their trauma histories as autistic individuals. Two versions are available, one full color, and one more affordably black and white. Read more