The Neuropsychology of Autism

The Neuropsychology of Autism

The fields of autism and the fields of neuropsychology have grown tremendously in the past 40 years. This comprehensive volume draws together what is known about the neuropsychology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) from leaders in the field. It introduces the basics of clinical presentation, genetics, neurochemistry, and neuroanatomy in ASD, as well as a review of overarching neuropsychological theories. The book then presents detailed and up-to-date reviews of key neuropsychological functions, including language, memory, attention, social cognition, and sensory and motor functions. The final section of the book presents leading and novel theories about the full syndrome, and concludes with a summary of advances in the field and a blueprint for the next stage of research. "This is a commendable resource for clinicians involved in autism research or the clinical care of individuals with autism. It is, by far, the most comprehensive resource on autism for neuropsychologists and other in allied fields." -- Doody's A thorough summary on the neuropsychology of autism spectrum disorders written by leaders in the field. Deborah Fein, PhD, is a clinical neuropsychologist who has been doing autism research for 35 years at Boston University School of Medicine and at the University of Connecticut. She is currently Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor in the Departments of Psychology and Pediatrics at the University of Connecticut. Her research has been supported by the National Institutes of Health of the US government, and several private foundations. She has investigated numerous areas in autism, including biochemical abnormalities, brain waves, language and memory, cognitive skills, sensory abnormalities, outcome, early detection and theoretical issues concerning diagnosis. She has published well over 100 articles and chapters, mostly on autism, and she is the co-author of a recent book for teachers, "Autism in Your Classroom" as well as the widely used screening tool, "Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers". She has served on the Board of Directors of the American Association for Clinical Neuropsychology, and the Science Advisory Board of Autism Speaks, and as Associate Editor of the journal Neuropsychology, and Secretary of the International Society for Autism Research.