We spend a LOT of time on the three "Es" - executive function, emotional regulation and empathy. I really felt that "Smart But Scattered" was helpful for ME to help him start working on some of the executive function skills that he really lacked. That said, it still seems like something we have to constantly reinforce, especially with regard to schoolwork - task initiation, attention to task and task completion will never (I don't think) be easy for him, and his planning skills are poor. We work a lot on breaking down tasks to small, manageable pieces (instead of, "You have to write a biographical essay," we start with, "Okay, let's think of someone you would like to learn more about. Now how would you get more information about this person?" - that type of guidance, all the way through the revision of the paper).
In terms of emotional regulation, he's very quick to anger, or upset, or frustration. I do like these books, especially "What to Do When You Worry Too Much" - anxiety was really getting in the way of his ability to progress in a lot of areas (social and academic). He's learned a number of skills (deep breathing, "checking in" with himself, etc) to help with learning more about his feelings, why he's having them, and - most importantly - how to control them. Still, it's a long road (for all of us! - he's certainly given me a few, "Mom, do you need to take a big, deep breath?" pep talks in the middle of bad traffic and horrible drivers situations).
The last one, empathy, really came into play after the birth of his younger brother (5 1/2 years younger, also with an ASD). I think that for all of the concrete life skills we had tried to teach him, seeing him be able to recognize his brother's separate emotional needs and then adapt his behavior in response has been the hardest, but perhaps most important. We are a very, very long way from this being automatic behavior (maybe it never will be), but I think for our family dynamic, and his social functioning (now and in the future), it's a hugely critical piece.
We're also working on bike riding and remembering to be an "active listener"/listen with your body - he still strongly comes across as terribly rude because of the lack of eye contact and the instinctive turning away from someone speaking to him. Sloooooooow progress...