The Neuroscience of Autism: Understanding the Spectrum

Author: Rajesh K. Kana

Published: May 27, 2022

ISBN: 9780128163931, 9780128167366

Language: English

Publisher: Elsevier Science

Prevalence of Autism: The Neuroscience of Autism provides a comprehensive accounting of autism spectrum disorders by integrating scientific findings from behavioral, cognitive and neurobiological research. The book begins by defining autism, identifying characteristics and prevalence, exploring its history, and then moving on to the cognitive and social bases of behavioral symptoms, the brain bases of behavioral and cognitive symptoms, and finally, intervention practices.

Understanding the Spectrum: It examines theoretical models such as weak central coherence, enhanced perceptual functioning, and the extreme male brain hypothesis. Finally, the book addresses the increased attention on the brain connectivity model of autism, looking at the synchronization of brain activity across different brain areas, the causal influence of a brain region on another, and white matter cable connections in the brain.

Key Focus Areas:

• Prevalence in the United States: The book delves into the increasing prevalence of autism in the United States.
• Screening Tools: Focuses on screening tools for early identification.
• Neuroanatomical Differences: Discusses the neuroanatomical differences seen in individuals with autism.
• Functional MRI Studies: Examines the inferences gained from functional MRI studies of autism.

Conclusion: The Neuroscience of Autism is a comprehensive guide that integrates scientific findings from behavioral, cognitive, and neurobiological research to provide a deeper understanding of the spectrum. It is an essential read for researchers, practitioners, and individuals interested in understanding the complexities of autism.