Is infantile autism (also known as Kanner autism) really characterized by a mental deficiency associated with a lack of empathy and repetitive behaviors that prevent interaction with the environment? Far from clichés and preconceived ideas, this edition of Leo Kanner's work by Dr. Kevin Rebecchi, PhD reveals a text that is still relevant today, almost 50 years after it was written! It reveals a text describing, in a clinical context, several cases of autistic girls and boys, with commentary in an afterword providing a better grasp of the issues and perspectives relating to the questions and problems of autism and neurodiversity.

Cognitive therapy, with its clear-cut measurable techniques, has been a welcome innovation in recent years. However, the very specificity that lends itself so well to research and training has minimized the role of the therapeutic relationship, making it difficult for therapists to respond flexibly to different clinical situations. What is needed is an approach that focuses on the underlying mechanisms of therapeutic change, not just on interventions. In this practical and original book, two highly respected clinician-researchers integrate findings from cognitive psychology, infant developmental research, emotion theory, and relational therapy to show how change takes place in the interpersonal context of the therapeutic relationship and involves experiencing the self in new ways, not just altering behavior or cognitions. Making use of extensive clinical transcripts accompanied by moment-to-moment analyses of the change process, the authors illustrate the subtle interaction of cognitive and interpersonal factors. They show how therapy unfolds at three different levels―in fluctuations in the patient's world, in the therapeutic relationship, and in the therapist's inner experience―and provide clear guidelines for when to focus on a particular level. The result is a superb integration of cognitive and interpersonal approaches that will have a major impact on theory and practice. A Jason Aronson Book

An important component of Division TEACCH's mandate from the Department of Psychiatry of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and the North Carolina State Legislature is to conduct research aimed toward improving the understanding of developmental disabilities such as autism and to train the professionals who will be needed to work with this challenging population. An important mechanism to help meet these goals is our annual conference on topics of special importance for the understanding and treatment of autism and related disorders. As with the preceding books in this series entitled Current Issues in Autism, this most recent volume is based on one of these conferences. The books are not, however, simply published proceedings of conference papers. Instead, cer tain conference participants were asked to develop chapters around their pres entations, and other national and intemational experts whose work is beyond the scope of the conference but related to the conference theme were asked to contribute manuscripts as weil. These volumes are intended to provide the most current knowledge and professional practice available to us at this time.

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.

Introduction and Overview: Introduction to Early Identification and Intervention in Autism; M.M. Bristol, E. Schopler. A Parent's Perspective on the Preschool Years; R. Angell. Normal Childhood Development from Birth to Five Years; R.D. Cox. Specific Aspects of Autism: Early Social Development in Autism; C. Lord. Communication in Preschool Autistic Children; B.M. Prizant, A.M. Wetherby. Behavior Management in the Preschool Years; M.E. Van Bourgondien. Diagnostic, Assessment, and Programmatic Aspects: Assessment of the Young Autistic Child; L.M. Marcus, W.L. Stone. Medical Syndromes in Young Autistic Children; L.T. Taft. Interpreting Results to Parents of Preschool Children; V. Shea. Early Intervention for Children with Autism and Related Developmental Disorders; C. Lord, et al. Current Practices in Early Intervention for Children with Autism; J.G. Olley, et al. Federal Legislation for Young Children with Disabilities; J.E. Thiele. Index.

This book presents a new perspective on the development of theory of mind based on an integration of empirical research that has been conducted on autism and William's syndrome.

1. Psychodynamic Psychotherapy with Children: Current Status and Guidelines for Future Research.- 1. Nonbehavioral Child Psychotherapy.- 2. Brief Abstracts of Research Providing Findings on the Factors Affecting the Process and Outcome of Parent and Child Psychotherapy.- 2.1. Psychotherapeutic Treatment of the Maladjusted Child in the Ordinary School.- 2.2. The Outcome of Psychotherapeutic Intervention with Delinquent Boys.- 2.3. Outcome of Child Psychotherapy as a Function of Frequency of Session.- 2.4. Concluding Remarks.- 3. Guidelines in Formulating Nonbehavioral Child Psychotherapy Research.- 3.1. Defining the Conceptual Link between the Characteristics of the Children and Families Being Treated and the Nature of the Therapeutic Process.- 3.2. The Research Design and Hypotheses.- 4. Concluding Remarks.- 5. References.- 2. Cognitive Mediators of the Outcome of Psychotherapy with Children.- 1. Rationale for This Review.- 2. Method Used to Identify Studies.- 3. Theoretical Perspectives on a Linkage between Cognitive Factors and Therapy Outcomes.- 4. Research on Cognitive Capacity as a Mediator of Therapy Effects.- 4.1. The Problem of Age as a Mediator.- 4.2. Mental Age.- 4.3. Piagetian Cognitive Level.- 4.4. Intelligence.- 5. Research on Cognitions as Mediators of Therapy Effects.- 5.1. Causal Attributions.- 5.2. Locus of Control.- 5.3. Control-Related Beliefs.- 6. Research on the Malleability of Child Cognitions.- 7. Research on the Effects of Modifying Child Cognitions.- 8. Summary and Critique of the Evidence.- 9. Recommendations for Future Research.- 10. References.- 3. Improving the Peer Relationships of Rejected Children.- 1. Introduction.- 2. The Characteristics of Peer-Rejected Children.- 2.1. Definition.- 2.2. Correlates.- 2.3. Critical Features.- 2.4. Clinical Implications.- 3. Models of Peer Rejection and Treatment Approaches.- 3.1. Social Skills Deficits Model.- 3.2. Negative Behavior Model.- 3.3. Reputation Model.- 3.4. Integrated Model.- 4. Clinical Issues.- 4.1. Assessing Peer Relations without Sociometrics.- 4.2. Gaining Access to Peer Groups.- 4.3. Developmental Considerations.- 5. Conclusions.- 6. References.- 4. Diversion from the Juvenile Justice System: Research Evidence and a Discussion of Issues.- 1. Background Considerations.- 1.1. The Specific Context of the Adolescent Diversion Project.- 2. Developing the Original Model.- 2.1. Participant Youth.- 2.2. Student Volunteers.- 2.3. Intervention Model.- 2.4. Results.- 2.5. Conclusions from the Phase One Project.- 3. Phase Two of ADP Development.- 3.1. Youths Involved in Phase Two.- 3.2. Project Operation in Phase Two.- 3.3. Results from Phase Two.- 4. Phase Three of ADP Development.- 4.1. Youths Involved in Phase Three.- 4.2. Project Operation in Phase Three.- 4.3. Results from Phase Three.- 5. Phase Four of ADP Development.- 5.1. Youths Involved in Phase Four.- 5.2. Project Operation in Phase Four.- 5.3. Results from Phase Four.- 6. Critical Issues in the Operation of Diversion Programs.- 6.1. Clinical and Administrative Issues.- 7. Concluding Comments.- 8. References.- 5. Parental Child Abduction: The Problem and Possible Solution.- 1. Introduction.- 1.1. Epidemiology of Child Abduction.- 1.2. Effects on the Child.- 1.3. Possible Solutions.- 2. The Florida Project.- 2.1. Procedures.- 2.2. Outcome.- 3. The National Project.- 3.1. Changes in Procedures.- 3.2. Outcome.- 4. Discussion.- 5. References.- 6. Genetic Factors in Childhood Psychopathology: Implications for Clinical Practice.- 1. Introduction.- 1.1. Advance of Genetic Knowledge.- 1.2. Intelligence and Genetics.- 1.3. Mental Retardation.- 2. Personality and Psychopathology.- 2.1. Normal Personality.- 2.2. Genetic Factors in Behavioral Disorders.- 2.3. Child Psychopathology.- 3. Prevention of Mental Illness.- 4. Social and Ethical Problems Raised by the New Genetic Information.- 5. Other Ethical Issues.- 6. Conclusions.- 7. References.- 7. Obesity of Infancy and Early Childhood: A Diagnostic Schema.