This handbook provides an overview of the current scientific understanding of autism spectrum disorders, as well as a cultural and historical perspective on the controversies that plague the field.

Autism describes a complex developmental disability that interferes with social interaction and communication. Symptoms of autism are generally recognizable when children are under the age of three. Until the 1990s, rates for autism were generally estimated at 1 in 2500. In 2010, however, the estimate is now 1 in 110 children. Is the incidence of autism increasing, or has there simply been a shift in how often this disability is diagnosed as the problem?

This text provides a comprehensive explanation of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Reference Handbook educates readers about ASD without relying on confusing medical jargon, highlighting current understanding of etiology, neuroscience, and intervention. It also discusses the historical and cultural influences of ASD and explores the controversial aspects of autism.

• Presents diagnostic criteria from the American Psychiatric Association manual
• Contains quotations and excerpts from scientific literature and text from court proceedings related to the Vaccine Injury Program
• Includes a chronology of important events in the field of autism, beginning in 1910 when the word autism was first used
• 12 charts, figures, and graphs illustrate autism diagnosis, neuroscience, treatment, prevalence, and cultural factors
• Includes reference bibliographies at the end of each chapter, as well as a chapter of annotated print and nonprint resources related to autism