This volume is designed to provide an overview of Asperger's
Syndrome/High Functioning Autism for professionals, parents, and others
concerned about these conditions. It is part of the library series that
has been created for the many people interested in the field of autism
spectrum disorders who want up-to-date, authoritative infor- tion
without having to locate and read through the original sources. Our goal
in this series is to review, synthesize, and organize the inf- mation so
that it can be presented comprehensively and clearly. This volume is the
culmination of over a decade of clinical work identifying, organizing,
writing, and editing the most current infor- tion available about this
high functioning group of people with autism spectrum disorders from
current reputable sources. The book explores the history and emphasizes
the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of these people and their
families. We hope that we have done justice to this extensive literature
so that it can be of use to these people th- selves as well as to their
many friends, colleagues, and families, and to the interested citizens
who are seeking more information about this intriguing area of inquiry.