Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders, 2nd ed.

edited by Fred R. Volkmar, M.D., the Irving B. Harris Professor in the Child Study Center and professor of psychiatry, pediatrics and psychology (Cambridge University Press) This updated edition reflects the most recent progress in the understanding of autism and related conditions. Chapter topics include current approaches to definition and diagnosis; prevalence and planning for service delivery; cognitive, genetic and neurobiological features; and pathophysiological mechanisms. A new chapter covers communication issues, while the final chapter addresses the nature of the fundamental social disturbances that characterize autism.