Since the early 1940s, when first identified as childhood psychosis and autistic psychopathy, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has continued to burgeon into a major focus of inquiry and interest among researchers, practitioners, and the public alike. With each passing decade, the number of scholarly articles addressing ASD and related disabilities continues to soar. Today, thousands of papers on autism are published annually across various disciplines and journals, making it challenging - if not impossible - to keep pace with, let alone synthesize, all the latest developments.

Offers detailed information on psychosocial methods for and outcomes in dealing with autism spectrum disorders and pervasive developmental disorders

Section 1: Overview.- History and Evolution of the Autism Spectrum Disorders; J.K. Irwin, J. MacSween, K.A. Kerns.- Diagnostic Systems; C.L. Gillberg.- Prevalence and the Controversy; C.A. Campbell, S. Davarya, M. Elsabbagh, L. Madden, E. Fombonne.- Autism Spectrum Disorders and Intellectual Disability; L. Lecavalier, A.V. Snow, M. Norris.- Psychiatric Disorders in People with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Phenomenology and Recognition; S.B. Helverschou, T.L. Bakken, H. Martinsen.-  Section 2: Nosology and Etiology.- The Genetics of Autism; D.K. Sokol, D.K. Lahiri.- Behavioral, Biopsychosocial, and Cognitive Models of Autism Spectrum Disorders; S.E. Lind and D.M. Williams.- Nosology and Theories of Repetitive and Restricted Behaviors and Interests; E. Gal.- Emotional Cognition: Theory of Mind and Face Recognition; N. Nader-Grosbois, J.M. Day.- Developmental Issues and Milestones; A. Thurm, S. Bishop, S. Shumway.- Sensory Processing and Motor Issues in Autism Spectrum Disorders; C.L. Hilton.- Section 3: Assessment.- Early Detection of Autism Spectrum Disorders; D.R. Dixon, D. Granpeesheh, J. Tarbox, M.N. Smith.- Diagnostic Instruments for the Core Features of ASD; J.A. Worley, J.L. Matson.- Assessment of Rituals and Stereotypy; O. Healy, G. Leader.- Assessing Challenging Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Prevalence, Rating Scales and Autonomic Indicators; I.L. Cohen, J.H. Yoo, M.S. Goodwin, L. Moskowitz.- Functional Behavioral Assessment and Analysis; J. Ward-Horner, L.J. Seiverling, P. Sturmey.- Assessment of Co-morbid Psychopathology; L. Underwood, J. McCarthy, E. Tsakanikos.- Identifying Moderators of Treatment Outcome for Children with Autism; L. Schreibman, S. Dufek, A.B. Cunnigham.- Identifying Fad Therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorders and Promoting Effective Treatment; J.E. Tuzikow, S. Holburn.- Intensive Early Intervention; S. Eikeseth.- Teaching Adaptive and Social Skills to Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders; K. Thomson, K. Walters,G.L. Martin, C. T. Yu.- Functional Skill Replacement Training; N. Naoi.- Verbal Behavior and Communication Training; T.S. Higbee, T.P. Sellers.- Training Children with Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder to Comply with Health Care Procedures: Theory and Research; A.J. Cuvo.- Physically Active Living for Individuals with ASD: Intervention Strategies to Promote the Acquisition of Movement Skills; K.L. Staples, G. Reid, K. Pushkarenko, S. Crawford.- Aggression, Tantrums, and Other Externally Driven Challenging Behaviors; N.N. Singh, G.E. Lancioni, A. S.W. Winton, J. Singh.- Self-Injurious Behavior: I. Overview and Behavioral Interventions; F. Furniss, A.B. Biswas, B. Bezilla, A. Jones.- Self-Injurious Behavior: II. Pharmacological and Integrated Treatments; F. Furniss, A.B. Biswas, B. Bezilla, A. Jones.- Autism Spectrum Disorders: Comorbid Psychopathology and Treatment; S. Mohiuddin, S. Bobak, D. Gih, M. Ghaziuddin.- Rituals, Stereotypies, and Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior; J.E. Ringdahl.- Interventions to Treat Feeding Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Comprehensive Review; L. Seiverling, K. Williams, J. Ward-Horner, P. Sturmey.- Training Staff and Parents: Evidence-Based Approaches; D.H. Reid, W.H. Fitch.- Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders; S. Mahan, A.M. Kozlowski.