Autism: Neural Basis and Treatment Possibilities

This groundbreaking book brings together contributions by leading scientists from different fields to provide a balanced view of the spectrum of current studies on autism. Four main areas of research are covered.Twin and family data indicate that the heritability of the underlying liability to autism exceeds 90%. This probably involves interactions among a relatively small number of susceptibility genes, an hypothesis that is examined in detail.New techniques are now available for examining the neurobiology of autism. The book contains results from imaging studies showing the contributions of different brain regions to this disorder and addresses the neuropathology of autism.There has been considerable discussion in the literature on the fundamental nature of the psychological deficit in children with autism. The book discusses the evidence that so–called ‘Theory of mind’ deficits are associated with autism.The most important practical question facing medical practitioners is how to help children with autism. Possible psychological or psychiatric interventions for rehabilitation of children with autism are examined in detail. Drug treatments have been disappointing in this field and one chapter addresses this problem.
Other topics covered include the epidemiology of autism, immunological aspects—including the possible role of infectious agents in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders—and language impairments.
This broad–ranging, authoritative book is essential reading for anyone with an interest in autism and its treatment.

Spis treści:
Introduction: autism – the challenges ahead (M. Rutter).
Epidemiology and early identification of autism: research challenges and opportunities (T. Charman).
Implications of the broader phenotype for concepts of autism (A. Bailey and J. Parr).
Strategies for autism candidate gene analysis (G. Barnby and A. Monaco).
How might genetic mechanism operate in autism? (S. Folstein, et al).
X–linked genes and the neural basis of social cognition (D. Skuse).
The neuropathology of the autism spectrum disorders: what have we learned? (M. Bauman and T. Kemper).
Microbiology and immunology of autism spectrum disorders (W. Lipkin and M. Hornig).
What do imaging studies tell us about the neural basis of autism? (C. Frith).
The Amygdala, autism and anxiety (D. Amaral and B. Corbett).
Cognition in autism: one deficit or many? (F. Happé).
Autism and specific language impairment: categorical distinction or continuum? (D. Bishop).
Why have drug treatments been so disappointing? (J. Buitelaar).
Can early interventions alter the course of autism? (P. Howlin).
Early intervention and brain plasticity in autism (G. Dawson and K. Zanolli).
Final discussion.
Summing up (M. Rutter).
Index of contributors.
Subject index.

Okładka tylna:
This groundbreaking book brings together contributions by leading scientists from different fields to provide a balanced view of the spectrum of current studies on autism. Four main areas of research are covered.Twin and family data indicate that the heritability of the underlying liability to autism exceeds 90%. This probably involves interactions among a relatively small number of susceptibility genes, an hypothesis that is examined in detail.New techniques are now available for examining the neurobiology of autism. The book contains results from imaging studies showing the contributions of different brain regions to this disorder and addresses the neuropathology of autism.There has been considerable discussion in the literature on the fundamental nature of the psychological deficit in children with autism. The book discusses the evidence that so–called ‘Theory of mind’ deficits are associated with autism.The most important practical question facing medical practitioners is how to help children with autism. Possible psychological or psychiatric interventions for rehabilitation of children with autism are examined in detail. Drug treatments have been disappointing in this field and one chapter addresses this problem.
Other topics covered include the epidemiology of autism, immunological aspects—including the possible role of infectious agents in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders—and language impairments.
This broad–ranging, authoritative book is essential reading for anyone with an interest in autism and its treatment.