Personal stories and professional research findings make this volume a ready summary of the current knowledge surrounding autism. Recent coverage in popular media has increased awareness and understanding of this condition, creating the need for access to current scientific research and reports of common experiences with it. Directed toward parents and professionals, this book explains what research has revealed and supports it with personal accounts written by people with autism and the parents of autistic children. The focus of the book encompasses the wide spectrum of characteristics and ability levels that exist within autism and their implications for individuals as children, older adolescents and adults. It summarizes research findings as it explores the dilemmas faced by parents and individuals with autism in their search for early diagnosis, professional help and suitable services. Chapters include discussions of co-existing conditions, causes of autism, and its relationship to Asperger Syndrome.