Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders

This volume reflects recent progress in the understanding of autism and related conditions, with contributions from leading authorities in the clinical and social sciences, and offers an international perspective on current thinking. Chapters cover current approaches to definition and diagnosis, prevalence and planning for service delivery, cognitive, genetic and neurobiological features, and pathophysiological mechanisms. Interventions reviewed include the pharmacological, behavioral and educational, and a thoughtful final chapter addresses the nature of the fundamental social disturbance that characterizes autism. As a summary of what is now known about autism and related disorders, and an indicator of what is still poorly understood, this book will be an essential resource for clinicians, researchers, and carers.