Synthesizing an explosion of recent research, this book presents dramatic advances in understanding and treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in very young children. Leading authorities describe the innovative tools and methods that are enabling clinicians to more effectively identify 0- to 5-year-olds with the disorder and those at risk for related problems. Chapters discuss the early core symptoms and co-occurring characteristics of ASD, the best diagnostic instruments, and lessons learned from large-scale screening and surveillance, including sibling studies. The book reviews evidence-based interventions and explores practical issues in treatment of young children and their families.
 

Katarzyna Chawarska, PhD, is Emily Fraser Beede Professor of Child Psychiatry in the Child Study Center at Yale University School of Medicine. She is Director of the Social and Affective Neuroscience of Autism Program and the Infant and Toddler Developmental Disabilities Clinic. Dr. Chawarska is a leading expert on identifying early prognostic markers and novel treatment targets in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Her recent work focuses on improving understanding of attentional and affective processes involved in development of core and comorbid features in ASD, as well as investigating the links between development of brain connectivity during prenatal and early neonatal periods and later outcomes in infants at risk for ASD.

Fred R. Volkmar, MD, is Goodwin Endowed Chair of Special Education (part time) at Southern Connecticut State University and Irving B. Harris Professor of Child Psychiatry, Pediatrics, and Psychology (part time) in the Child Study Center at Yale University School of Medicine. He has served as Director of the Child Study Center as well as Chief of Child Psychiatry at Yale–New Haven Hospital. Dr. Volkmar was the primary author of the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-IV autism and pervasive developmental disorders section. He has published several hundred scientific papers and chapters as well as a number of books. He serves as Editor of the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

Introduction, Katarzyna Chawarska & Fred R. Volkmar
1. The Evolution of Autism as a Diagnostic Concept, Fred R. Volkmar & Roald A. Øien
2. Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Delays in Infants and Toddlers, Emily Campi, Catherine Lord, & Rebecca Grzadzinski
3. Psychological Development of Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Suzanne L. Macari, Kelly K. Powell, Megan Lyons, Celine A. Saulnier, Angelina Vernetti, & Katarzyna Chawarska
4. Early Interventions for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Maria Pizzano & Connie Kasari
5. Development of Infant Siblings of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Katarzyna Chawarska, Suzanne L. Macari, Angelina Vernetti, & Ludivine Brunissen
6. Brain and Behavioral Development in High-Risk Infants: Considering the Role of Sensorimotor, Attentional, and Reward Networks, Robin Sifre, Joseph Piven, & Jed T. Elison
7. Long-Term Outcomes of Infants at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Meghan Miller & Sally Ozonoff
8. Intervention during the Prodromal Stages of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jonathan Green
9. Providing Medical Care to Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Fred R. Volkmar, Roald A. Øien, & Lisa Wiesner
10. Advancing Technology to Meet the Needs of Infants and Toddlers at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Frederick Shic, Kelsey Jackson Dommer, Adham Atyabi, Marilena Mademtzi, Roald A. Øien, Julie A. Kientz, & Jessica Bradshaw
11. Potential Challenges of Importing Autism Spectrum Disorder Screening and Diagnostic Tools from High-Income Countries to Resource-Poor Settings, Amina Abubakar, Kavita Ruparelia, Joseph K. Gona, Kenneth Rimba, Rachel Mapenzi, Petrus J. de Vries, Fons J. R. van de Vijver, Andy Shih, & Charles R. Newton
Index