Defining Autism

An incisive examination of the different causes and contributory factors to autism

Drawing on the most up-to-date research on autism, this incisive book argues that while there are different causes and variations of autism, there is in fact one biological autism. By examining developmental and genetic factors and investigating lesser known autism-related syndromes, it clears away misconceptions surrounding this complex condition.

Offering a summary of the current state of knowledge in autism research, Defining Autism looks at the different genetic, neurological and environmental causes of, and contributory factors to autism. It takes a wide-ranging view of developmental and genetic factors, and considers autism's relationship with other conditions such as epilepsy.

Shedding light on the vast number of autism-related syndromes which are all too often denied adequate attention, it shows how, whilst autism refers to a single syndrome, it can be understood as many different conditions, with the common factors being biological, rather than behavioral.