Integrating Positive Psychology and Autism: A Roundtable
I think this topic is fascinating. When we were talking about becoming a not for profit organization, I wanted to focus on promoting positive well being for autistic people.
"A new Roundtable Discussion in the peer-reviewed journal Autism in Adulthood explores how the two fields of positive psychology and autism might integrate and benefit each other, and the autism community at large. Click here to read the Roundtable.
Positive psychology helps answer the question, “What makes life worth living?” In addition to alleviating suffering, it is important to provide the tools to enhance elements of positive emotions: cultivating relationships, learning how to engage, have a meaningful life with accomplishments. Positive psychology can benefit the autism community by understanding strengths and how to use them. Appreciating character strengths can impact interpersonal dynamics, communication dynamics, and the framework through which a person responds.
Rather than solely addressing deficits, positive psychology adjusts, enhances, and amplifies strengths. It provides the tools, techniques, and processes to adapt to those strengths."
They are a long way from developing a program but it was an interesting read. Enjoy!