Social and Communication Development in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Never before has an entire volume been devoted to examining central social and communication processes in early autism. What the book does so remarkably well is present carefully analyzed, thorough, and readable reviews of the literature from multiple theoretical perspectives, while also drawing out the clinical implications for screening, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Rarely have I seen a book that will be so useful to researchers and clinicians alike. This book will serve as an indispensable source of information on the core features of early autism for clinicians and researchers in child psychiatry, clinical psychology, developmental psychology, language development and pathology, and early intervention. All of the chapter authors are well known in their areas, and bring a developmental theoretical framework to inform their interpretation of the autism literature. In many chapters, reviews of typical development precede the description of autism findings, placing the latter in a developmental context for the reader. This work would be an appropriate text for advanced undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in developmental psychopathology, social development, and developmental cognitive neuroscience.--Deborah Fein, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut

This timely book reasserts the importance of social and communication factors in our understanding and treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and brings together a wealth of research on neuropsychology, psychology, medicine, and education in order to do so. Clearly written, it will be essential reading for students focusing on ASD and all those interested in both typical and atypical child development.--Rita Jordan, PhD, Professor in Autism Studies; Inclusion, Special Education and Educational Psychology Division; School of Education; University of Birmingham, UK

This is the most important, ambitious, and exciting volume to be published on autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in the last several years. The volume brings together leading scholars and researchers whose work has led to revolutionary changes in early diagnosis and innovative, effective intervention. Presented are theoretically grounded, developmental perspectives on the emergence of social-communication difficulties in ASD. Taken together, the chapters demonstrate the feasibility of identifying every toddler at risk and providing interventions to significantly reduce the severity of symptoms and promote language acquisition. This is a 'must read' for all clinicians and researchers who work on autism!--Helen Tager-Flusberg, PhD, Lab of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, Boston University School of Medicine

This book could not be more timely in its coverage of crucial questions related to early identification and intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders, with a focus on understanding the central role of social-communication development. Charman and Stone have recruited foremost authorities to summarize in clear and considerable detail what the science shows, the clinical implications of existing knowledge, and the directions toward which we need to move in future research. This book is destined to be a truly influential contribution for autism researchers, clinicians, graduate students, and policymakers seeking to ground their decisions in scientific evidence.--Samuel L. Odom, PhD, School of Education, Indiana University

Tony Charman and Wendy Stone have put together a marvelous volume containing the most up-to-date information on the social and communication development of infants and toddlers with ASD. Moreover, they have ensured that the information is new, clinically relevant, and based on the most valid scientific findings. It will be a long time before another volume comes along that succeeds in reaching as many goals and as wide an audience.--Peter Szatmari, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Canada
- Charman and Stone have brought together an impressive group of experts in research and practice. In doing so, the editors have ensured that each chapter in this book is grounded in sound research evidence as well as clinical experience and psychological and neurological theory. It is this strong panel of expertise that makes this book a must-read for all professionals involved in ....Each chapter provides a comprehensive review of relevant literature, and clearly articulates its relevance to practical issues. This results in a book that provides a detailed overview of current practice, and which, importantly, also evaluates the scientific evidence for various interventions...A valuable resource for those seeking to expand or consolidate their knowledge of early social communicative development and Spectrum Disorders....An inspiring example of what can be achieved by a truly multidisciplinary group of professionals, and critically highlights some important future directions. --Autism, 1/16/2008ƒƒ This book is a must-have for the bookshelves of graduate students, clinicians, and researchers specializing in autism....A phenomenal resource. --PsycCRITIQUES, 1/16/2008