Current research findings on childhood autism.
OBJECTIVE
To review the main areas of current research findings regarding the core deficits in autism and the implications of these findings for the practicing clinician.


METHODS
Behavioural, cognitive, emotional and neurophysiological aspects are covered with an emphasis on the importance of methodology.


RESULTS
The implication of these findings for the treatment of autism is discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
Autism can teach us how we learn about emotions and the possibility of sensitive periods of development.
Sigman
M
M
Department of Psychiatry, University of California at Los Angeles 90024-1759, USA.
Arbelle
S
S
Dissanayake
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D001364:Awareness; D002648:Child; D004644:Emotions; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D009769:Object Attachment; D010553:Personality Development; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012917:Social Adjustment