Abstract

Nearly everyone with an interest in psychiatric disorders among children is talking about Asperger syndrome, also known as Asperger's disorder. It is a relatively new diagnostic category that is increasingly recognized by parents, teachers, and mental health professionals. Is it a variant of autism? Why are we noticing it more often? Is it a "pure" disorder, or does it overlap with other disorders? What causes it? How should we treat it? The Yale Child Study Center group that brought this disorder to national attention has edited a comprehensive book addressing these and other questions. The book is well written, and it is sufficiently advanced to offer new information to professionals who have expertise in the disorder yet clear enough that most sections can be understood by an educated parent or teacher. It is clearly the book that people who are interested in Asperger's disorder must have. The book is divided into five sections. The first three sections address behavioral aspects, family genetics and neurobiologic aspects, and related diagnostic constructs. Section 4 covers assessment, treatment, and intervention as well as Asperger's disorder in adulthood, and the final section covers perspectives on research and clinical practice and includes essays by