The four authors are affiliated, respectively, with Edinburgh University and the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (both in Edinburgh), the U. of the Aegean, (Rhodes, Greece), and the City University of London. They present in-depth information (updated for this second edition), bringing to bear on the subject of autism their expertise in child psychology and psychobiology, neuropsychology, special education, and music therapy. Coverage includes autism"s many definitions, similar disorders and important distinctions, causes and first effects, brain development and abnormalities, communication and play, and various strategies for therapy. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)