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 contains: (1) Autism Spectrum Disorders in Infants and Toddlers: An Introduction (Fred R. Volkmar, Katarzyna Chawarska, and Ami Klin); (2) Diagnostic Assessment (Somer L. Bishop, Rhiannon Luyster, Jennifer Richler, and Catherine Lord); (3) Assessment of Cognitive and Adaptive Skills (Katarzyna Chawarska and Karen Bearss); (4) Communication Development and Assessment (Rhea Paul); (5) Understanding, Assessing, and Treating Sensory-Motor Issues (Grace T. Baranek, Linn Wakeford, and Fabian J. David); (6) Case Studies of Infants First Evaluated in the Second Year of Life (Ami Klin, Celine Saulnier, Katarzyna Chawarska, and Fred R. Volkmar); (7) Developmental Approaches to Treatment (Amy M. Wetherby and Juliann Woods); (8) Naturalistic Behavioral Approaches to Treatment (Lynn Kern Koegel, Robert L. Koegel, Rosy M. Fredeen, and Grace W. Gengoux); (9) Controversial Treatments (Tristram Smith and Jennifer Wick); (10) Medical Issues (Fred R. Volkmar, Alexander Westphal, Abha R. Gupta, and Lisa Wiesner); (11) Supporting Families (Karyn Bailey); and (12) Opportunities for Research: Concepts and Future Directions (Ami Klin, Katarzyna Chawarska, and Fred R. Volkmar). [Foreword by Michael D. Powers is included.]