“An essential, timely contribution. Drawing on both professional expertise and lived experience, Brook and Kraus offer a comprehensive, accessible, and neuroaffirmative framework for adapting DBT for autistic clients. The book integrates foundational information about autism and neurodiversity with concrete, clinically useful examples of how to modify DBT skills and overall treatment delivery. Going beyond surface-level accommodations, this practical guide is a 'must read' for DBT clinicians committed to ethical, neurodiversity-affirming care.”

—Kiki Fehling, PhD, DBT clinician, speaker, and author, Northampton, Massachusetts


“Tailoring DBT for Autistic Clients is a rare gem—an insightful, wise, and deeply practical guide that DBT clinicians will turn to again and again. Brook and Kraus present a culturally competent and humble approach that is both comprehensive and easy to apply, making it invaluable for therapists at any stage of their careers. Offering deep insights and actionable strategies, this book meets a critical need.”

—Donna Henderson, PsyD, Neuropsychologist and Director of Autism Services, The Stixrud Group, Silver Spring, Maryland


“I can’t say enough about the richness of this manual for adapting DBT to the treatment of Autistic individuals. The authors walk us through a deep, multifaceted understanding of the experiences and needs of Autistic clients, only possible by virtue of extensive clinical and personal lived experience. They are very specific about how to tailor every aspect of DBT—session by session, skills module by skills module, and everything in between. The book appeals to clinicians to treat Autistic folks with respect, humility, and compassion, while remaining true to DBT principles and practices. This is a masterful synthesis that will ultimately help innumerable Autistic individuals around the world.”

—Charles Swenson, MD, Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School


“This useful book fills a gap by illustrating the 'whats' and 'how-tos' of doing DBT in a neurodiversity-affirming way. In true dialectical fashion, Brook and Kraus synthesize acceptance and change throughout their work. At the same time as teaching neurodivergent clients the skills to navigate a world not designed for their brains, therapists must advocate for a more inclusive world. I recommend this book as essential reading for all DBT therapists.”

—Andrea Gold, PhD, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University