Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Carol Turkington

Autism is a baffling brain disorder that profoundly affects children’s communication and social skills. It is also a spectrum disorder, which means it can occur in a variety of forms and intensity. Most cases of autism appear before a child’s third birthday. Recent years have marked a stunning rise in the number of children diagnosed as autistic. Much remains unknown about autism, and controversy surrounds everything from defining the disease to diagnosing it, to treating it—with theories about its cause ranging from vaccines to faulty genes to maternal personality.

The Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders provides a much-needed reference guide to this disease. More than 300 entries address the different types of autism, causes and treatments, institutions, associations, leading scientists, research, social impact, and much more. The book tackles a complex and daunting subject in clear language suitable for the general reader.