Autism - A Neurological Disorder Of Early Brain Development

Written by child neurologists, this comprehensive, multi-authored volume on autism systematically discusses the classification, epidemiology and neurobiology of autism. Autism lacks a unique etiology or specific pathology, so the behaviorally defined social deficits, language impairments and repetitive behaviors that define autism are explored from a developmental neurology perspective. The evidence suggesting that autism is a disorder of neuronal development is reviewed by experts on the genetics, neuroanatomy and neuroradiology, neurochemistry, immunology, and neurophysiology of autism. Chapters provide comprehensive reviews of the common neurological problems associated with autism such as epilepsy, sleep disturbances and motor and sensory deficits. Neuropsychological assessment, medical and psychopharmacologic management, educational and behavioral interventions, and outcome are discussed within the clinical content of the practising neurologist. The research agenda needed to understand the neurology of autism is emphasized throughout the book and in the conclusion.

A comprehensive, multi-authored volume on autism Systematically discusses the classification, epidemiology and neurobiology of autismWritten by child neurologistsProvides comprehensive reviews of the common neurological problems associated with autism such as epilepsy, sleep disturbances and motor and sensory deficits.

"This book offers a neurobiological orientation for a rational understanding of that seriously impairing, deeply fascinating and equally mysterious spectrum of disorder development … .Very well written, straight to the point, contains a good number of excellent tables and it is exciting to read. it is an outstanding, high quality review of issues relating to autism and I recommmend it wholeheartedly." (European Journal of Paediatric Neurology, July 2007)
"The book provides a comprehensive compilation of the main issues in autism, including epidemiology, language, and neurobiology … .Of particular note are the excellent chapters by Rapin on assessment of language and by Acosta and Pearl on genetics." (Journal of International Neuropsychological Society, May 2007)
"Rapin and Tuchman have produced an exceptional survey from the neuroscience viewpoint of the literature pertaining to children with autistic behavior. It is difficult to imagine a child neurologist or developmental pediatrician who would not want to own this volume—many of them will even consider sending a copy or two to their local child psychiatrist or child development center. Certainly every trainee in neurology, pediatrics, and child psychiatry should read this book. Many child psychologists, social workers, and other persons who interact with behaviorally disturbed children will want to have access to a copy." (Robert J. Baumann, MD, Pediatric Neurology, 36:3 March 2007)

AUTHORS’ APPOINTMENTS.FOREWORD.DEDICATION and ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.PREFACE: Martha Bridge Denckla.1 Where we are: Overview and definitions: Isabelle Rapin (Albert Einstein College of Medicine) and Roberto F Tuchman (Miami Children's Hospital).2 Epidemiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Edwin Trevathan (Washington University in St. Louis) and Shlomo Shinnar (Montefiore Medical Center).3 The Social Deficit in Autism: Roberto F Tuchman (Miami Children's Hospital).4 Language and communication: clinical assessment and differential diagnosis: Isabelle Rapin (Albert Einstein College of Medicine).5 Stereotypies and Repetitive Behaviors: Clinical Assessment and BRAIN BASIS: Jonathan W Mink (University of Rochester Medical Center) and David E Mandelbaum (Brown University).6 Neurobiology of Autism: Michael V Johnston (Kennedy Krieger Institute) and Mary E Blue (Kennedy Krieger Institute).7 Genetic Aspects of Autism: Maria T Acosta (Children's National Medical Center) and Phillip L Pearl (Children's National Medical Center).8 Neuroanatomy and IMAGING STUDIES: Martha R Herbert (Neurology (Pediatric) and Center for Morphometric Analysis, Massachusetts) and Verne S Caviness, Jr (Massachusetts General Hospital).9 Neuroimmunology and Neurotransmitters in Autism: Andrew W Zimmerman (Kennedy Krieger Institute), Susan L Connors (Kennedy Krieger Institute) and Carlos A Pardo-Villamizar (John Hopkins University School of Medicine).10 Electrophysiology and epilepsy in autism: Kent R Kelley (Children's Memorial Epilepsy Center) and Solomon L Moshé (Albert Einstein College of Medicine).11 Autism, epilepsy and EEG epileptiform activity: Eliane Roulet-Perez (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois) and Thierry Deonna (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois).12 Sleep and Autism Spectrum Disorders: Beth A Malow (Vanderbilt University Medical Center) and Susan G McGrew (Vanderbilt University Medical Center).13 ATYPICAL SENSORY/PERCEPTUAL RESPONSIVENESS: Isabelle Rapin (Albert Einstein College of Medicine).14 Motor Deficits in Autism: Jennifer C Gidley Larson (Kennedy Krieger Institute) and Stewart H Mostofsky (John Hopkins University School of Medicine).15 Pathophysiology of Autism; Evaluation of sleep and locomotion: Masaya Segawa (Segawa Neurological Clinic for Children) and Yoshiko Nomura (Segawa Neurological Clinic for Children).16 Neuropsychological assessment: Basic concepts and clinical utility: Susan K Klein (UHHS - Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital).17 Treatment Approaches for the Autism Spectrum Disorders: Mark Mintz (The Center for Neurological and Neurodevelopmental Health), Michael Alessandri (Center for Autism and Related Disabilities) and Paolo Curatolo (Tor Vergata University).18 Outcomes of children with autism: Evdokia Anagnostou (Seaver and NY Autism Center of Excellence) and Michael Shevell (McGill University).19 What we have learned, where we need to go: Roberto F Tuchman (Miami Children's Hospital) and Isabelle Rapin (Albert Einstein College of Medicine).INDEX