The guide to good mental health on the Autism spectrum more information

Jeanette and Emma both live with Autism and talk about the hard issues like self-harm, suicidal thoughts and strategies to aid sleep.

• Foreword by Wenn Lawson
• Foreword by Kirsty Dempster Rivett
• Preface
• Chapter 1: The neurobiology of Autism
• Chapter 2: Diagnosis
• Chapter 3: Anxiety disorders
• Chapter 4: Depression
• Chapter 5: Self-harm
• Chapter 6: Suicidal thoughts
• Chapter 7: Psychosis
• Chapter 8: Communication problems
• Chapter 9: Stigma and dicrimination
• Chapter 10: Family incidence of Autism and mental illness
• Chapter 11: Strategies to aid sleep
• Chapter 12: The value of pets
• Chapter 13: Mindfulness
• Chapter 14: Psychology and psychotherapy
• Chapter 15: Medication
• Chapter 16: Crisis measures
• Chapter 17: Self-esteem and self confidence
• Chapter 18: resilience
• Resources
• Glossary
• References
• About the Authors
• index:

Jeanette Purkis has a lived experience of Autism and mental illness and is also the author of two books looking at aspects of autism. She holds a Master’s degree in fine arts from RMIT University and works full time in the Australian public service

Dr Emma Goodalls has Asperger’s syndrome and has had professional experience of mental health services. Emma is a senior Autism advisor in South Australia and an executive committee member of the Australian Society for Autism Research as well as an executive committee member for Autistic Self-Advocacy Network of Australia and New Zealand

Dr Jane Nugent is a psychiatric career medical officer with general practitioner training. She has a talent for taking highly technical information and making it accessible to non-specialists. Jane has been involved in pharmacology teaching for a variety of New Zealand and Australian institutions since 1997

“I have Asperger’s syndrome and major depression. When I was 22 I got really depressed and went to psychiatric hospital. I didn’t have the skills I do now in communicating. I was so depressed that I didn’t care what happened. I was also really angry about life. I had been bullies at school and was still dealing with that, I couldn’t find a job anywhere and I felt like everyone in the world hated me and was laughing at me.”