Based on topics presented at recent Spectrum of Developmental Disabilities conferences, Shapiro (Johns Hopkins U. School of Medicine) and Accardo's (Virginia Commonwealth U.) text contains a series of papers by 20 American specialists exploring three clinical aspects of autism--diagnosis, management, and associated dysfunctions--which reflect current thinking on the topic and identify the limits of current clinical knowledge. Among the issues discussed are early intervention, labeling and diagnosis, language issues, complementary and alternative medicine, overlap with other syndromes and disorders, strategies and interventions for improving school outcomes, and effectiveness of medications. For physicians, psychologists, and other medical professionals who work with children with autism spectrum disorders in a clinical setting. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)