Can the World Afford Autistic Spectrum Disorder?

Acknowledgements.; Introduction.; 1: What is nonverbal communication, and how does it affect us?; 2: What is the importance of gaze and shared attention?; 3: What do people make of nonverbal communication?; 4: What is the evidence that impaired nonverbal communication is the fundamental problem in autistic spectrum disorder?; 5: Is an impairment of nonverbal communication a brain problem?; 6: What are the consequences of living with an impairment in nonverbal communication?; 7: Nonverbal communication and prevention of ASD.; 8: Does knowing about a problem in nonverbal communication help the average person with an ASD?; References.; Index.

'Dr. Tantam's book takes us through a fascinating tour of a world where social experience is essentially the co-creation of people engaged in fast, broad, and essentially nonverbal inter-actionA''. Words are slow, linear, and often obfuscate rather than illuminate others' intentions. This vastly neglected area of research is also likely the single greatest challenge for individuals with autism. Thus in one stroke Dr. Tantam both compels us to uphold social intuition for investigation, and helps us to appreciate what social contact is in the absence of this invisible glue.' - Ami Klin, Ph.D., Director of Autism Program, Harris Professor of Child Psychology and Psychiatry Yale Child Study Center