Asperger Counselling & Therapy Services (ACTS)
~ Laure-Marie Carignan ~
~ Laure-Marie Carignan ~
Research, Publications & Resources
PHD RESEARCH
Laure-Marie’s PhD research is entitled: “The Contribution of Asperger Traits and Structures of the Imaginary to family resilience: A family-focused study using the AT.9 in a neurodiverse context”.
This strengths-based research examines how Asperger traits in families with at least one person diagnosed at the high end of the autism spectrum, combined with individual and collective structures of the imaginary, contribute to family resilience. The AT.9, a drawing and story-telling test which determines an individual’s structure of the imaginary, is the initial research tool used in this project. This was followed by a semi-structured interview with the family to draw out individual and collective symbolism as well as paths to resilience based on the family’s own experience with a significant challenge. The conclusions of the research suggest that there may be a predominant structure of the imaginary in this population and that the AT.9 can be a useful clinical tool for building family resilience.
To receive a 4-page synopsis in English of her PhD thesis, or the original thesis (written in French), please contact Laure-Marie.
This strengths-based research examines how Asperger traits in families with at least one person diagnosed at the high end of the autism spectrum, combined with individual and collective structures of the imaginary, contribute to family resilience. The AT.9, a drawing and story-telling test which determines an individual’s structure of the imaginary, is the initial research tool used in this project. This was followed by a semi-structured interview with the family to draw out individual and collective symbolism as well as paths to resilience based on the family’s own experience with a significant challenge. The conclusions of the research suggest that there may be a predominant structure of the imaginary in this population and that the AT.9 can be a useful clinical tool for building family resilience.
To receive a 4-page synopsis in English of her PhD thesis, or the original thesis (written in French), please contact Laure-Marie.
POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCH PROJECTS
- In-depth analysis of the structures of the imaginary of my PhD research population.
- Outcome study to validate Barker-Shields’ social improvisation program for developing social fluency in neurodiverse teens and young adults.
- Outcome study to validate the use of the AT.9 as a creative arts strategy in couple and family therapy in a neurodiverse population.
For further information on these research projects, or to become a research participant, please contact Laure-Marie. By participating in one of her research projects, you will be contributing to the advancement of clinical services that are specifically designed to address the challenges and integrate the strengths of neurodiversity.
PUBLICATIONS
Bellehumeur, C.R., & Carignan, L-M. (2018a) (in press) Meaning-making in the identity-intimacy paradox in couple relationships: A perspective based on Gilbert Durand’s Anthropological Structures of the Imaginary. In L. Armstrong (Ed.) Existential Elements of the Family. Brussels, Belgium: Peeters.
Bellehumeur, C.R. & Carignan, L-M. (2018b) (soumis). Psychologie positive et spiritualité: Lieux de convergence en psychothérapie. In C. Bellehumeur et Judith Malette (Eds.) Psychologie positive et spiritualité en psychothérapie: Fondements et applications. Presses de l’Université Laval.
Carignan L-M. (2018a) (in press). Journeys of Families with Special Needs Children: Part One: The Family Life Cycle Journey. In L. Armstrong (Ed.) Existential Elements of the Family. Brussels, Belgium: Peeters.
Carignan, L-M. (2018b) (soumis). La conscience relationnelle des enfants: Lieu de convergence entre la psychologie du développement et la spiritualité. In C. Bellehumeur et Judith Malette (dir.) Psychologie positive et Spiritualité en psychothérapie: Fondements et applications. Presses de l’Université Laval.
Carignan, L-M., & Bellehumeur, C.R. (2018a) (in press). Journeys of Families with Special Needs Children: Part Two: The Journey from Shattered Dreams to Meaning-Making in a Resilience Framework. In L. Armstrong (Ed.) Existential Elements of the Family. Brussels, Belgium: Peeters.
Carignan, L-M., & Bellehumeur, C.R. (2018b) (soumis). Évolution historique des rapports entre la psychologie, la religion et la spiritualité en contexte psychothérapeutique. In C. Bellehumeur et Judith Malette (dir.) Psychologie positive et Spiritualité en psychothérapie: Fondements et applications. Presses de l’Université Laval.
Carignan, L-M. & Bellehumeur, C.R. (2018) (project accepted). Drawing and Story-Telling with a Neurodiverse Population: The Clinical Application of the AT.9 as a Creative Intervention Technique in Family Therapy. In M. Rovers, D. Kuehn and B. Maisha (Eds.) Creative Arts in Psychotherapy and Spirituality (book based on March 2018 conference by same name held at Saint-Paul University).
To receive a copy of any of the above publications in the original language or a translated synopsis, please contact Laure-Marie.
Bellehumeur, C.R. & Carignan, L-M. (2018b) (soumis). Psychologie positive et spiritualité: Lieux de convergence en psychothérapie. In C. Bellehumeur et Judith Malette (Eds.) Psychologie positive et spiritualité en psychothérapie: Fondements et applications. Presses de l’Université Laval.
Carignan L-M. (2018a) (in press). Journeys of Families with Special Needs Children: Part One: The Family Life Cycle Journey. In L. Armstrong (Ed.) Existential Elements of the Family. Brussels, Belgium: Peeters.
Carignan, L-M. (2018b) (soumis). La conscience relationnelle des enfants: Lieu de convergence entre la psychologie du développement et la spiritualité. In C. Bellehumeur et Judith Malette (dir.) Psychologie positive et Spiritualité en psychothérapie: Fondements et applications. Presses de l’Université Laval.
Carignan, L-M., & Bellehumeur, C.R. (2018a) (in press). Journeys of Families with Special Needs Children: Part Two: The Journey from Shattered Dreams to Meaning-Making in a Resilience Framework. In L. Armstrong (Ed.) Existential Elements of the Family. Brussels, Belgium: Peeters.
Carignan, L-M., & Bellehumeur, C.R. (2018b) (soumis). Évolution historique des rapports entre la psychologie, la religion et la spiritualité en contexte psychothérapeutique. In C. Bellehumeur et Judith Malette (dir.) Psychologie positive et Spiritualité en psychothérapie: Fondements et applications. Presses de l’Université Laval.
Carignan, L-M. & Bellehumeur, C.R. (2018) (project accepted). Drawing and Story-Telling with a Neurodiverse Population: The Clinical Application of the AT.9 as a Creative Intervention Technique in Family Therapy. In M. Rovers, D. Kuehn and B. Maisha (Eds.) Creative Arts in Psychotherapy and Spirituality (book based on March 2018 conference by same name held at Saint-Paul University).
To receive a copy of any of the above publications in the original language or a translated synopsis, please contact Laure-Marie.
OTHER PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES
Below is a list of publications and resources which I have found very useful.
General information about autism spectrum conditions
Attwood, Tony (2015). The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome (revised edition). UK: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Baron-Cohen, Simon (2008). Autism and Asperger Syndrome. NY: Oxford University Press. Kindle Edition.
Lai, M-C., & Baron-Cohen, S. (2015). Identifying the lost generation of adults with autism spectrum conditions. Lancet Psychiatry, (2), 1013-1027. DOI: 10.1016/S2215-0366(15)00277-1
Mottron, Laurent (2005). L’autisme, une autre intelligence: Diagnostic, cognition et support des personnes autistes sans déficience intellectuelle. Mardaga. édition Kindle
Stoddart, Kevin P. (Ed) (2005). Children, Youth and Adults with Asperger Syndrome: Integrating Multiple Perspective. London, UK: Jessica Kingsley.
Stoddart, K.P., Burke, L, & King, R. (Eds) (2012). Asperger Syndrome in Adulthood: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinician. New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company Inc.
Neurodiverse Couple relationships
Ariel, C. (2012). Loving Someone with Asperger’s Syndrome: Understanding & Connecting with Your Partner. New Harbinger Publications.
Aston, Maxine (2014). The Other Half of Asperger Syndrome: A Guide to Living in an Intimate Relationship with a Partner who is on the Autism Spectrum.2nd Edition. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Mendes, Eva (2015). Marriage and Lasting Relationships with Asperger’s Syndrome: Succesful Strategies for Couples or Counsellors. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. (Kindle Edition)
Historical perspectives of autism and neurodiversity
Silberman, Steve (2015). NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity. New York, NY: Penguin Random House. Kindle edition.
Spirituality and the Autism Spectrum
Bogdashina, Olga (2013). Autism and Spirituality: Psyche, Self and Spirit in People on the Autism Spectrum. London, UK: Jessica Kingsley. Kindle Edition.
Isanon A. (2001). Spirituality and the Autism Spectrum. Of falling sparrows. London, UK: Jessica Kingsley. Kindle edition.
Biographical Resources
Cutler, Eustacia. A Thorn in my Pocket – biographical work by Temple Grandin’s mother
Grandin, Temple (2006). Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism (many versions, Kindle edition available)
Robison, John Elder (2008). Look me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s. NY: Broadway Books (Kindle edition)
Williams, Donna (1998). Nobody Nowhere: The Remarkable Autobiography of an Autistic Girl
General information about autism spectrum conditions
Attwood, Tony (2015). The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome (revised edition). UK: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Baron-Cohen, Simon (2008). Autism and Asperger Syndrome. NY: Oxford University Press. Kindle Edition.
Lai, M-C., & Baron-Cohen, S. (2015). Identifying the lost generation of adults with autism spectrum conditions. Lancet Psychiatry, (2), 1013-1027. DOI: 10.1016/S2215-0366(15)00277-1
Mottron, Laurent (2005). L’autisme, une autre intelligence: Diagnostic, cognition et support des personnes autistes sans déficience intellectuelle. Mardaga. édition Kindle
Stoddart, Kevin P. (Ed) (2005). Children, Youth and Adults with Asperger Syndrome: Integrating Multiple Perspective. London, UK: Jessica Kingsley.
Stoddart, K.P., Burke, L, & King, R. (Eds) (2012). Asperger Syndrome in Adulthood: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinician. New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company Inc.
Neurodiverse Couple relationships
Ariel, C. (2012). Loving Someone with Asperger’s Syndrome: Understanding & Connecting with Your Partner. New Harbinger Publications.
Aston, Maxine (2014). The Other Half of Asperger Syndrome: A Guide to Living in an Intimate Relationship with a Partner who is on the Autism Spectrum.2nd Edition. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Mendes, Eva (2015). Marriage and Lasting Relationships with Asperger’s Syndrome: Succesful Strategies for Couples or Counsellors. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. (Kindle Edition)
Historical perspectives of autism and neurodiversity
Silberman, Steve (2015). NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity. New York, NY: Penguin Random House. Kindle edition.
Spirituality and the Autism Spectrum
Bogdashina, Olga (2013). Autism and Spirituality: Psyche, Self and Spirit in People on the Autism Spectrum. London, UK: Jessica Kingsley. Kindle Edition.
Isanon A. (2001). Spirituality and the Autism Spectrum. Of falling sparrows. London, UK: Jessica Kingsley. Kindle edition.
Biographical Resources
Cutler, Eustacia. A Thorn in my Pocket – biographical work by Temple Grandin’s mother
Grandin, Temple (2006). Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism (many versions, Kindle edition available)
Robison, John Elder (2008). Look me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s. NY: Broadway Books (Kindle edition)
Williams, Donna (1998). Nobody Nowhere: The Remarkable Autobiography of an Autistic Girl
ASPERGER COUNSELLING & THERAPY SERVICES (ACTS) | LAURE-MARIE CARIGNAN | OTTAWA, ON
