Tantam (psychiatry and psychotherapy, U. of Sheffield, UK) draws on research and his clinical experience to explain to clinicians the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and support of individuals with autism spectrum disorders at each stage of life. He covers brain anatomy and function, animal studies, the effects of lesions in adulthood and childhood, and structural and functional changes reported in these disorders; neurogenetics, genes, and neurons; developmental and social issues; social orientation, communication, and language; nonverbal communication, empathy, and theory of mind; neuropsychological aspects; presentation and prevalence; clinical assessment; etiology; and presentation of autism, Asperger's syndrome, Kanner syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified, and atypical Asperger's throughout the life stages. Case descriptions and co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, Rett syndrome, disintegrative psychosis, and dysexecutive syndrome are included. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)