Understanding Autism and Autistic Functioning

This concise volume offers an accessible overview on recent clinical and research perspectives addressing autism and autistic functioning.

Laura Villa is a doctor specializing in child neuropsychiatry at the University of Milan (Italy) and also a psychotherapist. She works at the Scientific Institute IRCCS MEDEA - Associazione "La Nostra Famiglia" (Italy) where she is the head of the rehabilitative services for children with autism. Luca Casartelli is a researcher (PhD from the University of Geneva, Switzerland) and head of the "Theoretical and Cognitive Neuroscience" Research Unit at the Scientific Institute IRCCS MEDEA. Currently, he is also Adjunct Professor of Developmental Neuroscience at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (Italy) and of Philosophy at the University of Milan (Italy).

Introduction 1. Atypical Preface: Autism and Autistic Functioning 2. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Insights from a Neuroscientific Perspective 3. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Communicating Diagnosis 4. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Clinical Intervention and Treatment 5. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Positive Prognosis, Optimal Outcome, Best Feasible Outcome, and Recovery Conclusive Considerations