Schema Therapy

This chapter outlines schema therapy (ST) as a treatment possibility for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and comorbid personality disorder (PD). The chapter begins with some key considerations concerning the therapeutic relationship and the differential diagnosis of ASD versus PD. ST is introduced, followed by a summary of empirical findings about personality characteristics in people with ASD including both weaknesses (i.e., pathology) and strengths. A summary is provided of the empirical studies examining ST concepts and treatment programs for adults with ASD (and comorbid PD). The chapter concludes with a case study exemplifying the ST approach.