While the understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) has grown over the years, there are still many unanswered questions. The Neuropsychology of Autism takes into account the definition and identification of ASDs, providing a neuropsychological perspective while incorporating findings in the areas of genetics, neurochemistry and neuroanatomy. This comprehensive volume provides information in key areas relevant to ASDs while also including in-depth information on various theoretical viewpoints to try and account for the complexity of diagnosing and providing intervention for this condition.

In Part I, Fundamental Information about Autism Spectrum Disorders, Chapter 1 covers the phenomenology of ASDs, providing a comprehensive overview with information ranging from diagnostic criteria to the influences of sex and gender. The section on disorders that have symptoms resembling ASDs is important from a clinical, educational, and rehabilitation perspective. The authors stress the need for clear indicators to differentiate between different disorders, especially those with overlapping characteristics. Chapter 2 considers the genetics underlying ASDs, making the point that the underlying explanation is not clear, and showing the heterogeneity of the condition. It also suggests that environmental influences add to the complexity, and notes the implications of these findings for treatment. Chapter 3 introduces neuroanatomy, with data again suggesting a complex range of underlying mechanisms, taking into account a ‘whole brain’ approach, with widespread alterations in brain connectivity. While research has shown that there are differences between those diagnosed with autism and those without, the differences were not found to be consistent, and not easily explained. Chapter 4 focuses on neurochemical contributions including the involvement of monoamines (e.g. serotonin), glutamate, and neuropeptides. While this chapter is informative, it may be difficult to follow without some background in neurochemistry. Chapter 5 discusses the main neuropsychological theories that are used to explain the features of the disorder, with information provided in areas of executive functioning, information processing, social motivation, and social cognition. Together, chapters one through five provide comprehensive and varied information important for understanding this disorder. These chapters form the basis of the information pertaining to ASDs, allowing Part II to focus on neuropsychological functions.

In Part II, Neuropsychological Functions, Chapters 6 through 15 provide information about the domains that may be impacted in those diagnosed with ASD, showing that performance in skill areas varies within and between individuals, again highlighting the heterogeneity of the condition. The chapters in this section focus on language (expressive, social, communicative, phonology, prosody, grammar, semantics, pragmatics), memory (e.g., immediate memory, declarative memory, working memory), attention (e.g. selective attention and spatial attention), executive functioning (e.g. inhibition and set-shifting), motor development (basic and skilled motor gestures), sensory functions (visual, auditory, tactile), social cognition (perception of social interactions), imitation (including facial expressions and body movements), implicit learning (e.g. interpreting subtle social cues), and general intellectual ability. While there is some overlap in these chapters, each details its own perspective and definition of terms. While deficits have been reported in these areas, each individual will present with strengths and weaknesses across these domains, suggesting that there is no ‘typical’ cognitive or neuropsychological profile. Chapter 16 considers implications for treatment, noting that very few treatments have empirical support, but intensive early intervention, tailored to individual needs and developmental level is encouraged. This chapter is important as it highlights that although the pattern of impairments may vary between individuals, intervention can be implemented if it targets the specific needs of the individual. Part II highlights how impairments in these neuropsychological functions influence everyday functioning, therefore underscoring the importance of diagnostic and neuropsychological evaluations to identify areas requiring intervention, and to implement an effective plan.

Part III, Frontiers of Neuropsychology and Autism, includes Chapters 17 through 26 and provides more in-depth consideration of various theoretical viewpoints. These viewpoints cover areas such as systemizing and empathizing (Chapter 17), the role of interpersonal synchrony (Chapter 18), repetitive movements and arousal (Chapter 19), neural networks (Chapter 20), structural and functional brain development (Chapter 21), and the role of neuropeptides and steroid hormones (Chapter 22). Each of these chapters has a wealth of information aimed at understanding the complexity of ASDs, and each plays a part in trying to build our understanding of the causal and functional aspects of the condition. The message from Chapter 23 is that it may not be most beneficial to look for single factor causal explanations, with Chapter 24 covering autism endophenotypes and the impact of heterogeneity. Chapter 25 considers somatic features (e.g. gastrointestinal, immune, metabolic, sleep) and their relationship to core behavioural features. Part 3 emphasises that while ASDs have a core of symptoms at the behavioural level, at other levels of investigation much still remains to be understood. While Part III of this book is very interesting and comprehensive, for readers unfamiliar with a particular chapter topic, some sections may be a little challenging to follow.

The information provided in The Neuropsychology of Autism demonstrates that while we have come a long way in understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders, with advancements in the areas of neuropsychology, genetics, neuroanatomy, and neurochemistry, research is answering some questions while also creating new ones. The search for causality and the understanding of core behavioural features are essential aspects for intervention and treatment. To further link our current understanding of ASDs and intervention techniques, a chapter presenting a few case studies may have been of benefit to readers, presenting the individual from diagnosis to post-intervention status.

This book is of value for those interested in a thorough reference for Autism Spectrum Disorders. The book gives the basic information needed for an understanding of the condition, and then provides specific details in many areas, providing the reader with an overview of many aspects while allowing for a more in-depth look at a particular area or theoretical viewpoint. This book is an excellent source for psychologists (neuro, clinical, educational), allied health practitioners, paediatricians, educators, and higher education students.