Researching the Autism Spectreum. Contemporary Perpectives

Description

This selection of contemporary research provides up-to-date perspectives from leading investigators who are at the cutting edge of studies in autism spectrum disorders. The book allows readers to grasp new approaches to understanding the autism spectrum. Key areas of theory and research are covered, from classification and diagnosis, genetics, neurology and biochemistry, to socio-cognitive, developmental and educational perspectives, essential to a broader understanding of the autism spectrum. In addition it introduces new emphases on MEG, epilepsy and memory. In highlighting both biomedical and psychological perspectives, this book reflects the multi-level emphasis of contemporary thinking about autism. By addressing key unanswered questions, Researching the Autism Spectrum acts as a guidepost for future research and provides an authoritative and multidisciplinary perspective.

• Highlights both biomedical and psychological perspectives which reflect the multi-level emphasis of contemporary thinking about autism • Introduces new emphases of interest (e.g. MEG and Memory in Autism), enabling readers to understand contemporary approaches to the field • The broad coverage of theories and research inform a range of readers, from clinical and academic professionals to educators, healthcare providers and policy makers

Contents

Foreword Simon Baron-Cohen; Preface; Introduction; Part I. Classification and Diagnosis: 1. Early assessment and diagnosis of children Ann Le Couteur; Part II. Genetics, Neurology and Biochemistry: 2. Unravelling the genetics of autism spectrum disorders Inês Sousa, Richard Holt, Alistair Pagnamenta and Anthony Monaco; 3. Brain imaging and the neuroanatomical correlates of autism Michael Spencer, Andrew Stanfield and Eve Johnstone; 4. Magnetoencephalography (MEG) as a tool to investigate the neurophysiology of autism Sven Braeutigam, Stephen Swithenby and Anthony Bailey; 5. Autism and epilepsy Christopher Gillberg and Brian Neville; 6. Biochemistry of autism: changes in serotonin, reelin and oxytocin Elizabeta Mukaetova-Ladinska, Jodie Westwood and Elaine Perry; Part III. Cognition, Development and Education: 7. Psychological models of autism: an overview Elizabeth Pellicano; 8. Cognitive flexibility in autism: a social-developmental account R. Peter Hobson and Jessica Hobson; 9. Language in autism spectrum disorders: characteristics and causes Jill Boucher; 10. Memory in autism: binding, self and brain Dermot Bowler, Sebastian Gaigg and Sophie Lind; 11. Measuring executive function in children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders: a clinic referred case study Ayla Humphrey, Ofer Golan, Barbara Wilson and Sara Sopena; 12. Managing autism spectrum disorders in current education provision Rita Jordan; Index.

Review

'Autism research is currently enjoying considerable growth, with hundreds of researchers joining in the hunt to understand this important set of conditions. This book showcases some of the best autism scientists in the UK who are contributing to this international effort. This multi-disciplinary book nicely illustrates how autism is a multi-level phenomenon that will need integration across levels. The editors are to be congratulated on pulling this collection together since this will inspire a new generation of autism scientists among contemporary students.' Simon Baron-Cohen, from the Foreword

Contributors

Simon Baron-Cohen, Ann Le Couteur, Inês Sousa, Richard Holt, Alistair Pagnamenta, Anthony Monaco, Michael Spencer, Andrew Stanfield, Eve Johnstone, Sven Braeutigam, Stephen Swithenby, Anthony Bailey, Christopher Gillberg, Brian Neville, Elizabeta Mukaetova-Ladinska, Jodie Westwood, Elaine Perry, Elizabeth Pellicano, R. Peter Hobson, Jessica Hobson, Jill Boucher, Dermot Bowler, Sebastian Gaigg, Sophie Lind, Ayla Humphrey, Ofer Golan, Barbara Wilson, Sara Sopena, Rita Jordan