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.