Autism Spectrum Disorder highlights current key topics for this complex and challenging developmental neurobiological disorder. In a very practical and concise manner, the reader will find a state-of-the-science review combining key factual knowledge with practical clinical considerations. Written in a user-friendly fashion, this text provides key fact boxes, summary questions, and references for further readings to enhance understanding. This invaluable book incorporates practical clinical knowledge within a didactic framework to provide a comprehensive overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across the lifespan.

Martin J. Lubetsky, MD, is Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and the Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Services and Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC. Dr. Lubetsky has worked in the clinical, training, administrative, and research areas of autism, developmental disabilities and child and adolescent psychiatry for twenty-five years. He provides diagnostic and clinical services to children, adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder, and intellectual disabilities with mental health issues. Dr. Lubetsky provides training locally and nationally in the areas of autism and developmental disabilities. He has been active in developing awareness and support for the growth of community-based services for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. He collaborates with many regional and state agencies, and was the recipient of the 2002 Temple Grandin Award from the Advisory Board On Autism and Related Disorders (ABOARD) in Pittsburgh, PA. Benjamin Handen, PhD, BCBA-D is Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and Clinical and Research Director of the Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC in Pittsburgh. Dr. Handen is a clinical psychologist with over 30 years experience in the field of autism and developmental disorders. He has published widely in the areas of psychopharmacological treatment of behavioral disorders in special populations. Dr. Handen is the principal investigator of the University of Pittsburgh Autism Treatment Network (ATN) site. He has received research funding from National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National Institute of Aging. Dr. Handen serves on the faculty of the University of Pittsburgh Applied Behavior Analysis Certification Program. John J. McGonigle, PhD is Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Rehabilitation Science Technology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the Director of the Western Pennsylvania Regional Autism Center (ASERT) at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic in Pittsburgh. He has over 35 years of clinical experience in working with children, adolescence and adults with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities. He provides assessment and clinical services to individuals and families with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Neuropsychiatric Disorders across the Lifespan. Dr. McGonigle provides consultation and training to staff and organizations on Functional Behavioral Assessments, designing behavioral support and interventions, creating restraint free environments and developing systems of mental health care for Special Needs Populations. Dr McGonigle is the Chair of the National Association on Dual Diagnosis (NADD) Organization Accreditation Committee and an Advisory Board member for the Pennsylvania Bureau of Autism Services.

Table of Contents Chapter 1 - Autism - Historical Perspective, Theories, and DSM Diagnostic Criteria Tiberiu Bodea and Martin J. Lubetsky Chapter 2 - Recognition of Autism Spectrum Disorder - Early Identification and Diagnosis John J. McGonigle, Virginia Martin and Martin J. Lubetsky Chapter 3 - Medical Evaluation and Co-morbid Psychiatric Disorders Carla A. Mazefsky, Robyn Filipink, Jodi Lindsey and Martin J. Lubetsky Chapter 4 - Neurobiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder Kathryn McFadden, Nancy J. Minshew and K. Suzanne Scherf Chapter 5 - Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) Jennifer B. Alfieri, Rebecca Burkley and John J. McGonigle Chapter 6 - Introduction to Treatment Chapters: Treatment Overview Benjamin L. Handen, Johanna Taylor, Kylan Turner and Martin J. Lubetsky Chapter 7 - Early Childhood Interventions Louise A. Kaczmarek, Kylan Turner and Jennifer B. Alfieri Chapter 8 - Language Interventions Diane L. Williams and Lori J. Marra Chapter 9 - Feeding, Sleep and Toileting Interventions Kristine Kielar, Cynthia R. Johnson and Benjamin L. Handen Chapter 10 - Educational Issues - School-age Michelle Lubetsky, Virginia Martin and Benjamin L. Handen Chapter 11 - Transition-age and Adult Interventions John J. McGonigle, Allen Meade Gregory and Martin J. Lubetsky Chapter 12 - Addressing Behavioral and Emotional Challenges in School-age Children and Adolescents with ASD Carla A. Mazefsky and Benjamin L. Handen Chapter 13 - Social Challenges and Social Skills Interventions Michelle Lubetsky, Melissa Smiley Jacobson and Benjamin L. Handen Chapter 14 - Pharmacologic Interventions Benjamin L. Handen, Tiberiu Bodea, Rameshwari V. Tumuluru and Martin J. Lubetsky Chapter 15 - Future Directions Martin J. Lubetsky, Benjamin L. Handen, and John C. McGonigle Index