Laurie Leventhal-Belfer is a psychologist based in Northern California who specializes in taking a developmental approach to psychopathology across the life span. She has worked with children, adolescents, and young adults with Anxiety, Depression, Stress and Coping. She has also worked with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families for 28 years and has published 2 books with JKP previously. Laurie is an Adjunct Lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in the School of Medicine, Stanford University.

Preface. Rules that can be frustrating at home: Why do I have to: Go to school before the show that I am watching is over? Wear shoes and a jacket when I go outside? Eat when I am not hungry? Rest when I am not tired? Go to the bathroom when I do not need to go? Share toys if I am still using them? Turn off the television or computer before my show or game is over? Stop talking about things that I like? Rules that may be frustrating about friends: Why do I have to: Play with my play date when I would rather play by myself? Say thank-you for a present that I do not like? Go to a friend's house when I would rather stay home? Let other kids play a game the "wrong" way? Apologize to other children for hurting them when they hurt me first? Listen to a friend talk about something that I do not find interesting? Rules that may be frustrating at school: Why do I have to: Listen to a story that I already know? Let my hands get dirty? Say hello with words instead of giving a friend a big hug or slap on the back? Only talk about what the teacher asked about? Tell my friends that I am no longer playing the game when they can see for themselves? Ask my teacher if I can leave the room? Sit in a chair to do my work when I work better standing up? Be quiet when I am working? Explain to an adult why I got into a fight when they should know? Do homework after I have been working in school all day? Appendix: Goal Chart.