Springer Imaging the Brain in Autism

Data compiled by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicates an alarming and continuing increase in the prevalence of autism. Despite intensive research during the last few decades, autism remains a behavioral defined syndrome wherein diagnostic criteria lack in construct validity. And, contrary to other conditions like diabetes and hypertension, there are no biomarkers for autism. However, new imaging methods are changing the way we think about autism, bringing us closer to a falsifiable definition for the condition, identifying affected individuals earlier in life, and recognizing different subtypes of autism. The imaging modalities discussed in this book emphasize the power of new technology to uncover important clues about the condition with the hope of developing effective interventions. Imaging the Brain in Autism was created to examine autism from a unique perspective that would emphasize results from different imaging technologies. These techniques show brain abnormalities in a significant percentage of patients, abnormalities that translate into aberrant functioning and significant clinical symptomatology. It is our hope that this newfound understanding will make the field work collaborative and provide a path that minimizes technical impediments. Review From the reviews: “This interesting book covers includes not only traditional structural imaging techniques such as MRI and CT, but also neuropathology, quantitative EEG, neurofeedback, and ‘behavior imaging.’ … the target audience presumably includes psychiatrists, neurologists, pediatricians, and psychologists, as well as researchers in the field. Written and edited by nationally recognized experts, many of the chapters … are welcome additions to the literature.” (Michael Joel Schrift, Doody’s Book Reviews, November, 2013) From the Back Cover Data compiled by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicates an alarming and continuing increase in the prevalence of autism. Despite intensive research during the last few decades, autism remains a behavioral defined syndrome wherein diagnostic criteria lack in construct validity. And, contrary to other conditions like diabetes and hypertension, there are no biomarkers for autism. However, new imaging methods are changing the way we think about autism, bringing us closer to a falsifiable definition for the condition, identifying affected individuals earlier in life, and recognizing different subtypes of autism. The imaging modalities discussed in this book emphasize the power of new technology to uncover important clues about the condition with the hope of developing effective interventions. Imaging the Brain in Autism was created to examine autism from a unique perspective that would emphasize results from different imaging technologies. These techniques show brain abnormalities in a significant percentage of patients, abnormalities that translate into aberrant functioning and significant clinical symptomatology. It is our hope that this newfound understanding will make the field work collaborative and provide a path that minimizes technical impediments. About the Author Jasjit S. Suri, MS, PhD, MBA is an innovator, visionary, scientist, and an internationally known world leader. Dr. Suri was crowned with Director General’s Gold medal in 1980 and the Fellow of American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), awarded by National Academy of Sciences, Washington DC in 2004. Dr. Suri has been the chairman of IEEE Denver section and has won over 50 awards during his career and has held executive positions. Manuel F. Casanova is a Board Certified Neurologist trained in clinical electroencephalography and evoked response potentials. His research focus is Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dr Casanova is an Endowed Chair Professor, and is the Associate Chair for Research in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Univers