This ambitious volume provides a comprehensive summary of currently
available research and clinical knowledge about Asperger Syndrome (AS). In
a thoughtful introduction, the editors note the rapid growth of community
interest in AS. Parents and teachers have formed national and regional support
groups that coalesce around AS. A dramatic increase in referrals has obliged
clinicians to include AS in the differential diagnosis of developmental disabilities
and other childhood disorders, and educational authorities are besieged by
requests for specialized services. The de facto establishment of interest
in AS in the community creates an urgent need for research-based guidelines
for clinical practice, as well as for sound investigation to clarify the mechanisms
underlying the social and communicative problems of individuals with AS and
related conditions. The contributions of 15 eminent researchers and clinicians,
augmented by 4 essays by parents of affected children, are presented in 5
sections, addressing behavioral aspects, genetics and neurobiology; related
diagnostic constructs; assessment; treatment and intervention during the life
span; and perspectives on research and clinical practice.