Main description:

As a division of the School of Medicine at the University of North Carolina at ChapeI Hili, TEACCH has always been involved in the latest biological research on autism and related developmental disabilities. However, until now there has not been sufficient information to justify aseparate volume on this most important topic. Recent advances both in our under standing of the brain and in the technology to facilitate the measurement of neurological functioning have stimulated significant growth, which is reflected in this volume. As with the preceding books in this series, Current Issues in Autism, this volume is based on one of the annual TEACCH conferences held in ChapeI Hili each May. The books are not simply published proceedings of the conference papers, however. lnstead, conference participants are asked to develop chapters around their presentations, and other international experts whose work is beyond the scope of the conference, but related to the major theme, are asked to contribute as weil. These volumes are intended to provide the most current knowledge and professional practice available to us concerning major issues in autism.

Contents:

and Overview.- to Neurobiological Issues in Autism.- Overview of Biomedical Issues in Autism.- Neurobiological Research Priorities in Autism.- Ethical Issues in the Health Care of Children with Developmental Handicaps.- Neurological and Genetic Issues.- Autism.- Cerebral-Brainstem Relations in Infantile Autism.- Implications of Social Deficits in Autism for Neurological Dysfunction.- The Neurochemical Basis of Symptoms in the Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome.- Neurological and Genetic Issues.- The Search for Neurological Subgroups in Autism.- Pre-, Peri-, and Neonatal Factors in Autism.- Neurobiological Implications of Sex Differences in Autism.- The Role of Abnormal Hemispheric Specialization in Autism.- Brain Lesions in Autism.- Neurochemical, Biochemical, and Nutritional Issues.- Neurochemical Hypotheses of Childhood Psychoses.- Neurotransmitter Research in Autism.- A Neurophysiological View of Autism.- Nutrition and Developmental Disabilities.- Medication Issues.- Overview of Drug Treatment in Autism.- Possible Brain Opioid Involvement in Disrupted Social Intent and Language Development of Autism.- The Medical Treatment of Autistic People.- Megavitamin B6 and Magnesium in the Treatment of Autistic Children and Adults.