Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Volume 2: Assessment, Interventions, and Policy

by Fred R. Volkmar

The first major handbook of its kind, "The Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders" has, since the first edition, been the most influential reference work in the field of autism and related conditions.Since 2005 when the third edition appeared, there has been an explosion of work in autism (over 1600 research papers a year most recently). In addition there are pending changes in nomenclature with DSM-V and ICD-10 that will have profound implications for diagnosis, and therefore, access to services. The nature of these changes and their agreement/disagreement with each other and their predecessors is the focus of considerable debate and new findings needs to be incorporated in an authoritative work such as this. The rapid pace of research is reflected throughout both volumes.

Highlights of recent research in autism includeThe genetic contribution to autism. Several areas of the human genome have been implicated in autism and related conditions and candidate genes are now being investigated.Studies on the brain have revealed specific areas of difficulty in individuals with autism, e.g., autopsy studies have noted changes in the micro structure of the brain, fMRI studies have shown differences in the ways in which individuals with autism process social information.Neuropsychological processes are increasingly well specified: recent work reveals difficulties, for example, in processing information during social interaction among autistic individuals.Increasingly sophisticated methods of screening and assessment, especially among infants and young children with autism or at risk for autism.A number of model programs have been evaluated with a growing body of research on intervention methods.Increasingly sophisticated behavioral, pharmacological, and other treatment methods and new curricular aids, e.g., for teaching social skills.

The fourth edition retains the best aspects of the 3rd edition--helping readers stay abreast of the state of the field and helping them separate the wheat from the chaff as the interest in, and circulating information about, autism proliferates necessitating an authoritative editing and review of available information.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder

640 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2005