Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Volume 1: Diagnosis, Development, and Brain Mechanisms

Since the original edition was first published more than a quarter of a century ago, The Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Volume 1: Diagnosis, Development, and Brain Mechanisms, has been the most influential reference work in the field of autism and related conditions. The new, updated Fourth Edition takes into account the changes in the disorders' definitions in the DSM-V and ICD-10 that may have profound implications for diagnosis and, by extension, access to services. Along with providing practical clinical advice--including the role of psychopharmacology in treatment―the handbook codifies the ever-expanding current body of research throughout both volumes , offering a wealth of information on the epidemiology of autism and the genetic, environmental, biochemical, social, and neuropathological aspects of the disorder. Volume 1 includes: Information on outcomes in adults with autism spectrum disorders

• A range of issues and interventions important from infancy, though adolescence and beyond for individuals with autism spectrum disorders
• Current information about play development, including skills, object play, and interventions
• Coverage of the state of genetic, biochemical, and neuropathological autism research
• Chapters on psychopharmacology and medical care in autism and related conditions

The new edition includes the relevant updates to help readers stay abreast of the state of this rapidly evolving field and gives them a guide to separate the wheat from the chaff as information about autism proliferates.

Fred R. Volkmar, M.D., is Irving B Harris Professor of Child Psychiatry, Pediatrics, and Psychology at the Yale Child Study Center where he directs the autism research program. He is an associate editor of the Journal of Autism and the American Journal of Psychiatry. He is the author of several hundred scientific papers and chapters as well as a number of books including A Practical Guide to Autism: What Every Parent, Teacher and Family Members Needs to Know.

Rhea Paul, Ph.D., CCC-SLP SLP, is Professor and Director of the Communication Disorders section in the Developmental Disabilities Clinic at the Yale Child Study Center. She holds a joint appointment at SCSU, where she is Professor of Communication Disorders.

Sally J. Rogers, Ph.D., UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute. Her clinical interests include early intervention for children with autism and social skills groups for autistic adults. She serves on the editorial board of many publications, including the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

Kevin A. Pelphrey, Ph.D., is the Harris Associate Professor of Child Psychiatry and director of the Child Neuroscience Laboratory at the Yale Child Study Center.