Autism: An Introduction to Psychological Theory / Edition 1

by Francesca Happé

Overview

Autism is a fascinating yet perplexing disorder that continues to intrigue researchers and clinicians studying brain and behavior. In this lucid and elegant book, Francesca Happé provides a concise overview of current psychological theory and research that synthesizes the established work on the biological foundations, cognitive characteristics, and behavioral manifestations of this disorder. She focuses her discussion on the cognitive approaches that deal with both thought and feeling—those hypotheses that link brain to action, deepen our understanding of the autistic person's view of the world, and offer better approaches to effectively managing the behavior of people with autism struggling to live in our world. The book reviews the latest research into the communication, socialization, and imagination impairments in autism, and further distinguishes the levels of severity in the spectrum of autistic disorders. Happé also includes a discussion of the talented few—high-functioning autistic individuals with Asperger's syndrome—and of the many childhood behavioral disorders, unrelated to autism, that manifest autistic-like symptoms.

Autism is an important and much-needed contribution to the literature. It will be valued by parents and teachers of autistic children as well as by students and researchers interested in disorders of language and communication.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780674053113
Publisher:	Harvard University Press
Publication date:	09/01/1998
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.25(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Francesca Happé is a research scientist at the Medical Research Council in London.

Table of Contents

Introduction; The history of autism; Autism at the behavioural level; Autism at the biological level; Autism at the cognitive level: understanding minds; Autism at the cognitive level: alternatives to theory of mind; The talented minority; Asperger's syndrome; Autism and not-Autism; Remaining puzzles: a look to the futur.

What People are Saying About This

Happé's Autism not only conveys the intellectual excitement of a pioneer worker in this field, but gives a critical, scholarly, and balanced account of the whole subject.

Oliver Sacks

Happé's Autism not only conveys the intellectual excitement of a pioneer worker in this field, but gives a critical, scholarly, and balanced account of the whole subject.

Alan M. Leslie

Happé is a skilled writer...[Her] book is lucid, accurate, and thoughtful on a topic of enormous interest.
— Alan M. Leslie, Rutgers University Center for Cognitive Science

Editorial Reviews

Happé is a skilled writer...[Her] book is lucid, accurate, and thoughtful on a topic of enormous interest.

Alan M. Leslie

Happé's book is a clear and concise guide to the current research. She picks her way carefully through the minefield of controversies to point out a middle ground where she believes consensus might lie. The book will be invaluable for students, but also useful for others interested in this field and who, like her, 'find themselves captivated and mesmerised by the enigma of autism.'

New Scientist - Sanjida O'Connell

Happé's Autism not only conveys the intellectual excitement of a pioneer worker in this field, but gives a critical, scholarly, and balanced account of the whole subject.

Oliver Sacks

Happé's informative, well-written, and highly readable book provides the reader with current research and thinking in the area of autism. It is organized around three levels of explanation—biological, behavioral, and cognitive—and attempts to explain the deficits that occur in each of these domains...Many interesting topics are explored, such as Asperger's Syndrome and other related clinical entities; epidemiology; autistic children with special talents; and the concept of partial autism. Further references are given for those who want to explore any of the topics in depth. A well-documented book with more than 300 references, reflecting the latest literature.

Choice - P. Barker

Happé's book is a clear and concise guide to the current research. She picks her way carefully through the minefield of controversies to point out a middle ground where she believes consensus might lie. The book will be invaluable for students, but also useful for others interested in this field and who, like her, 'find themselves captivated and mesmerised by the enigma of autism.'
— Sanjida O'Connell

New Scientist

Happé's informative, well-written, and highly readable book provides the reader with current research and thinking in the area of autism. It is organized around three levels of explanation—biological, behavioral, and cognitive—and attempts to explain the deficits that occur in each of these domains...Many interesting topics are explored, such as Asperger's Syndrome and other related clinical entities; epidemiology; autistic children with special talents; and the concept of partial autism. Further references are given for those who want to explore any of the topics in depth. A well-documented book with more than 300 references, reflecting the latest literature.
— P. Barker

Choice