Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders

by Fred R. Volkmar (Editor)

Overview

Interest in autism and related disorders has exploded. Established as an essential book on this complex syndrome, the new edition has been extensively revised to reflect significant advances in research. Featuring contributions from leading international authorities in the clinical and social sciences, the book covers recent progress in our understanding of the field and offers a perspective on the present state of the discipline. With new material on topics such as evidence-based treatment and practice, the book covers changes in diagnosis resulting from the publication of DSM-V, and developments in how autism is understood, including the removal of language delay as a necessary diagnostic criterion. Far-reaching, the book considers aspects from epidemiology, genetics, and neurobiology, to core symptoms, early interventions, and pharmacology. One section critically surveys the history of autism as a diagnostic concept, and issues such as an ageing population and the impact of research on national policy are considered.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781108693622
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	01/24/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Fred R. Volkmar, M.D., is the Irving B. Harris Professor of Child Psychiatry, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, and Psychology at the Child Study Centre, Yale University, Connecticut, where he recently served for eight years as Director of the Center. Currently the Editor of the Journal of Autism, his grants and publications list runs just short of 100 pages in his CV, and he has served as teacher and mentor to many trainees who are now leaders in the field. He has dedicated his career to understanding and treating children with developmental disorders and is a leader in the field of autism research.

Table of Contents

1. Diagnosis and definition of autism and other pervasive developmental disorders Scott L. J. Jackson and Fred R. Volkmar; 2. Epidemiological surveys of pervasive developmental disorders Julianne Myers, Alison Chavez, Alison Presmanes Hill, Katharine Zuckerman and Eric Fombonne; 3. Psychological factors in autism Giacomo Vivanti, Benjamin E. Yerys and Erica Salomone; 4. Communication and its development in autism spectrum disorders Rhea Paul; 5. Genetic epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders Ryan K. C. Yuen, Peter Szatmari and Jacob A. S. Vorstman; 6. The neurobiology of autism Christopher Gillberg, Clare Allely, Thomas Bourgeron, Mary Coleman, Elisabeth Fernell, Nouchine Hadjikhani and Darko Sarovic; 7. Psychopharmacology Lindsey Mooney, Cara Fosdick and Craig A. Erickson; 8. Behavioral and educational interventions Samuel L. Odom, Kristi Morin, Melissa Savage and Brianne Tomaszewski; 9. Translating research into social policy Peter Doehring; 10. Adult life for people with autism spectrum disorder Iliana Magiati and Patricia Howlin.

Editorial Reviews

4 Stars! from Doody

This book is an impressive summary of current research and thought on autism and other pervasive developmental conditions. It is appropriately broad and uncommonly thorough in its coverage of diagnostic issues, epidemiology, and the psychological and neurobiological processes involved. Psychopharmacological, behavioral, and educative approaches to servicing individuals with these disorders are also addressed. The purpose of this volume is twofold: to synthesize the now substantial literature on this subject, and to specify targets for future research. It is intended to add to the literature, not directly (e.g., presenting new research findings, proposing theory, describing unknown aspects) but rather through organizing current understandings and underscoring specific areas that command attention. It is successful in doing so. This volume was written for social service system professionals, including physicians, psychologists, and students. Caretakers and family members of autistic or otherwise developmentally disordered individuals would benefit as well. This well organized, text-like volume addresses the cognitive, genetic, and neurological aspects of autism and pervasive developmental disorders. Much remains unclear about the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in these disorders, and this is addressed here. Perhaps most impressive is the balance of the book—the contributors represent multiple disciplines and nationalities. Two chapters are particularly compelling: one on outcomes in adult life and the other on the evolution of human social skills. Overall, this will serve as a useful reference for professionals and family members involved with autistic ordevelopmentally disordered individuals. It represents a straightforward, scholarly approach to presenting current understandings; in this way it differs from important writings on the subject where provocative, insight-oriented personal accounts and perspectives are offered by those who have experienced the disorder directly or indirectly. Toward its goals of organizing information and offering directions for future research, this volume will make an important contribution to the field.

Tracy Smith-Simko

Reviewer: Iram Qazi, MD (Rush University Medical Center)
Description: This is a comprehensive and practical review of the history of and recent progress and research in the understanding of autism and related conditions. It updates the second edition that was published in 2005.
Purpose: The purpose is to summarize the current knowledge, evidence-based and historical, on the treatment of autism. Unlike many books, this one provides an international perspective on current research in this field, citing details about the processes and results. The book provides practical parameters and practice guideline options that are available to clinicians or any other mental health professionals. It provides a good review of the diagnosis, neurocognitive development, and genetic and neurobiological factors that contribute to autism. It also covers in detail essential behavioral/educational and pharmacological treatments.
Audience: The author targets mainly medical practitioners/researchers and child mental health professionals. The book is appropriate for healthcare professionals, but also simple enough for the general population to get a good understanding of the disease and its treatment. The author has considerable experience in the field of autism research and has published a substantial body of work in this area.
Features: This is a comprehensive review of current evidence-based practice. It provides a solid background on diagnosis and historical beliefs about autism and addresses epidemiological data with good detail, providing an international perspective on its prevalence and treatment. The book provides interesting theories of psychological factors involved in the development of the disease. It also reviews pharmacologic treatment in a systemic fashion and discusses side effects of these medications. It is unique in its in-depth and comprehensive review of genetic and neurobiological advances made in the field. The only shortcoming of the book is the lack of illustrations and charts.
Assessment: The book provides a very helpful, comprehensive outlook on autism and its management. It is easy to read and the facts are well presented making them easy to comprehend and remember. The second edition was necessary because of the many advances in epidemiological studies and genetics, making the first edition somewhat obsolete.

Doody's Review Service