In this volume, several of the major experts in the field discuss the diagnostic criteria of the syndrome, named after Hans Asperger, who first described the condition in the 1940's, and illustrate their views with case studies drawn from their clinical practice. These clinical studies are complemented by personal accounts and placed in a new theoretical framework. They also provide surprisingly practical suggestions on the education and management of children with autism and Asperger syndrome. This book gives the first coherent account of Asperger syndrome as a distinct variant of autism and will no doubt arouse a good deal of debate. (141 refs).

In this volume, several of the major experts in the field discuss the diagnostic criteria of the syndrome, named after Hans Asperger, who first described the condition in the 1940's, and illustrate their views with case studies drawn from their clinical practice. These clinical studies are complemented by personal accounts and placed in a new theoretical framework. They also provide surprisingly practical suggestions on the education and management of children with autism and Asperger syndrome. This book gives the first coherent account of Asperger syndrome as a distinct variant of autism and will no doubt arouse a good deal of debate. (141 refs).

This wonderful, informative book includes the complete translation of Hans Asperger's original 1944 paper, and I loved every word of it. My admiration for Dr. Asperger has grown by leaps. His concern and joy in working with the children comes through in each anecdote. He recognized, and advocated for, these children in a time when advocating for people with differences could get him killed (Nazi-occupied Austria). He not only describes the disorder but offers practical advice for the education of the youngsters which is still relevant today. He repeatedly asserts all children's value to society and points out their many strengths. My favorite quote:

"(We have) the right and the duty to speak out for these children with the whole force of our personality. We believe that only the absolutely dedicated and loving educator can achieve success with difficult individuals."

The other chapters in the book are also very informative, but vary in their readability. Gillberg's chapter on family studies sometimes reads like a medical chart. And don't forget to have your Multivariate Analysis textbook handy for Tantam's statistical chapter on Asperger characteristics in adulthood. The remaining four chapters contain a wealth of information and are pleasant to read. This is a book I will reference again and again. ( )