Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Autism is a complex disorder of neurodevelopment resulting in pervasive abnormalities in social interaction and communication, repetitive behaviours and restricted interests. It presents difficult challenges to physicians and other professionals and especially to the parents and families of affected individuals. The aim of this volume is to provide an update on this multi-faceted condition, and to review most of its major features, in particular its biology, genetics and current understanding of its brain basis. The book emphasises the importance of early detection, and spells out appropriate steps for clinical diagnosis and investigations such as neuropsychology, electrophysiology and imaging. Of particular interest are chapters that focus on differential diagnosis, advances in neurogenetics and molecular biology, possible consequences of immunisations and the relation between autism and epilepsy.