Rich with clinical insights, this volume reviews the state of the science of identifying and treating autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in very young children. Leading authorities examine critical research issues and present innovative approaches to assessing social, cognitive, adaptive, communication, and sensory-motor impairments in the first two years of life. Providing a comprehensive discussion of developmental, behavioral, and medical intervention models, the book also addresses ways to support families in coping with an early ASD diagnosis and becoming effective advocates for their children. A special chapter discusses popular but controversial treatments, including how to help families make informed decisions about their use. This book will be useful to clinical and developmental psychologists, child psychiatrists, special educators and early intervention specialists, speech-language pathologists, social workers, pediatricians, and other child health and education professionals. It will also serve as a text in graduate-level courses on autism, developmental disabilities, and early intervention.