The Development of Autism

1. History, Definition and Assessment. 2. Autism and its Characteristics. 3. Theories of Autism, with Kathleen J. Kolberg. 4. Toward a Developmental Theory of Autism. 5. Educational and Biomedical Interventions, with Kathleen J. Kolberg. 6. Family Stress and Coping, with Julie Lounds. 7. Recommendations to Parents, Therapists/Educators, Researchers and Social Policy Makers.

Professor Whitman, a professor of psychology at an American university, presents a systematic, up to date, overview of current knowledge about autism. I found the writing easy to read, helped by a clear layout and regular subheadings to subdivide the text. I found the book stimulating and educational and I think the combination of well-referenced recent research and an accessible format makes this an excellent place to start for the interested, educated, lay reader, and provides a useful refresher for mental health workers.