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This thorough book covers current issues in autism, from early identification and subsequent treatment of autistic children to social and behavioral studies. Includes genetic and immunological studies, the influence of diet, autism models and future prospects.

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Autism is a complex multifaceted disorder affecting neurodevelopment during the early years of life and, for many, throughout the life span. Inherent features include difficulties or deficits in communication, social interaction, cognition, and interpersonal behavioral coordination, to name just a few. Autism profoundly impacts the affected individual, the family, and, in many cases, the localized communities. The increased prevalence of childhood autism has resulted in rapid developments in a wide range of disciplines in recent years. Nevertheless, despite intensive research, the cause(s) remain unresolved and no single treatment strategy is employed. To address these issues, Comprehensive Guide to Autism is an all-embracing reference that offers analyses and discussions of contemporary issues in the field of autism. The work brings together scientific material from leading experts in the field relating to a wide range of important current topics, such as the early identification and treatment of children with autism, pertinent social and behavioral studies, recent developments in genetics and immunology, the influence of diet, models of autism, and future treatment prospects. Comprehensive Guide to Autism contains essential readings for behavioral science researchers, psychologists, physicians, social workers, parents, and caregivers.

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Section i: diagnosing autism spectrum disorders.- section ii: behavioral issues in autism spectrum disorders.- section iii: learning issues in autism spectrum disorders.- section iv: social issues in autism spectrum disorders.- section v: principal factors and contributing mechanisms in the pathophysiology of autism.- section vi: immunology of autism spectrum disorders.- section vii: genetics of autism spectrum disorders.- section viii: models of autism.- section ix asperges syndrome and adult autistics .- section x: treatments in autism.

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"A variety of research methodologies are represented, from clinical experiments to case study and more qualitative approaches. The writing is clear and scholarly ... . the editors arranged the chapters into 20 sections, each with six to a dozen articles each. ... it does fill a useful gap by providing in-depth articles on scientific and research aspects of ASD, which are beyond the scope of other ASD references." (Lesley S. J. Farmer, Reference Reviews, Vol. 29 (3), 2015)

"It is the excellent source of an accessible, evidence-based, and clinically thorough account of the ASD field and contemporary issues from the worldwide professional. ... This volume is an indispensable reading for a range of professionals: psychiatric social workers, psychologists, clinicians scientists and of course for parents and caregivers." (Kamlesh Kumar Sahu and Soma Sahu, Journal of Disability Studies, Vol. 1 (2), 2015)

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