The Biology of the Autistic Syndromes

Autism is not a single disease but a syndrome of different diseases. In this completely reworked and updated third edition, two world authorities, Christopher Gillberg and Mary Coleman, address the difficulties this presents for clinical diagnosis with diagnostic aids and clear guidelines for medical evaluation. Epidemiology, neuropsychological studies and behavior complexes, such as self-injury, are reviewed in detail, and the authors give a detailed explanation of what is known about the molecular biology and genetics of autism. Epilepsy and electrophysiological studies are also covered, as well as biochemistry, endocrinology, immunology, brain imaging and neuropathology. The available medical therapies are reviewed, along with an update on what is known about other interventions, such as psychoeducational and behavioral modification procedures. The book concludes with an integration of current knowledge from diverse fields. This is an essential text for clinicians and will also be of interest to parents of autistic children.

Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Clinical diagnosis of autism; 3. Diagnosis in infancy; 4. Clinical course in childhood and adolescence; 5. Adults with autism; 6. Asperger syndrome; 7. Behavior complexes seen in individuals with autism; 8. Epidemiology of autism; 9. Neuropsychological studies; 10. The disease entities of autism; 11. The double syndromes; 12. Seizures and electrophysiological studies; 13. Biochemistry, endocrinology and immunology; 14. Brain imaging and neuropathological studies; 15. The genetics of autism; 16. The medical work-up; 17. Medical therapies; 18. Other interventions - psychoeducational and behavioral modification procedures; 19. The neurology of autism; Glossary; Appendices; Index.