Autism - Novartis Foundation Symposia by Gregory R Bock & Jamie A Goode Hardcover

Book Synopsis

This book draws together contributions from some of the leading investigators in the field of autism to consider specific problem areas in current research. Each contributor brings expertise from a different field, providing a balanced view of the whole spectrum of study of this disorder. It covers four main areas:

• Twin and family studies indicate that the heritability of the underlying liability to autism exceeds 90% and point to a multifactorial causation, involving a relatively small number of susceptibility genes. The book discusses this issue in detail, along with the problem of why some additional symptoms are associated with autism while others are not.
• New techniques are available for examining the neurobiology of autism. The book contains results from imaging studies showing the contributions of different brain regions to autism. It includes neuropathological data and examines the neuropharmacology of autism.
• There is considerable discussion concerning the fundamental psychological deficit in children with autism. There is good evidence that "Theory of Mind" deficits are associated with autism and this issue is discussed in the book, as are other competing possibilities.
• The most important practical question facing medical and psychological practitioners is how to help children with autism. The evidence relating to possible psychological or psychiatric interventions for rehabilitation of children with autism is examined in detail. Drug treatments have generally been disappointing in this field and there is one chapter devoted specifically to this problem.

The book focusses ultimately on intervention studies and so is of practical relevance to people interested in helping autistic children. In addition, it provides a very convenient summary of the principal controversies which currently exist in research on autism.

From the Back Cover

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.

Review Quotes

"...well-structured and an easy read - essential for professionals, academics and students who are interested in autism and its treatment..." (The Psychologist, Vol 17(1), Jan 2004)

About the Author

The Novartis Foundation is an international scientific and educational charity which promotes the study and general knowledge of science and in particular encourages international co-operation in scientific research.