Rich with clinical insights, this volume reviews the state of the science of identifying and treating autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in very young children. Leading authorities examine critical research issues and present innovative approaches to assessing social, cognitive, adaptive, communication, and sensory-motor impairments in the first two years of life. Providing a comprehensive discussion of developmental, behavioral, and medical intervention models, the book also addresses ways to support families in coping with an early ASD diagnosis and becoming effective advocates for their children. A special chapter discusses popular but controversial treatments, including how to help families make informed decisions about their use.

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"This exemplary volume brings together truly state-of-the-art discussions of new concepts and methods in the early diagnosis and treatment of children with autism spectrum disorders. Autism has gone from a rare, poorly understood disorder to a well-defined syndrome that is now recognized as more common than Down syndrome, epilepsy, or cancer in children. To no small extent, our improved understanding, identification, and treatment of the youngest children with autism has stemmed from work conducted by the editors and contributors of this integrated, exceedingly well-organized volume."

-Peter Mundy, PhD, Lisa Capps Professor of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, School of Education, and Director for Education Research, M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis

"One of the most exciting developments in the autism field in the past decade has been the study of autism as it emerges in infancy and toddlerhood. This exceptional volume captures the crest of this wave by summarizing clinical and experimental studies of autism in early childhood. Its scope encompasses screening, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as cutting-edge theoretical models that may help us to better understand what lies at the core of autistic development. This is a 'must read' for scientists interested in early autism and should be recommended to training and practicing clinicians in a wide variety of fields, including psychology, child psychiatry, pediatrics, speech-language pathology, and early education."

-Professor Tony Charman, PhD, Institute of Child Health, University College London, UK