Autism (Health Issues)

From School Library Journal Grade 5-8-A thorough look at the subject, presenting solid information and full-color photos, reproductions, and diagrams. Lennard-Brown explains this complex disorder that causes people to "dance to a different beat" while making relationships and communication very difficult. Shaded sidebars draw readers in with quick lists ("People with autism find it difficult to-") and anecdotal stories (a brother's obsession with buses). Asperger's Syndrome, brain studies, and genetics are clearly explained, as are various treatments not handled in other titles for this audience. As series nonfiction, this title is more appealing than Michele Engel Edwards's Autism (Lucent, 2001). A useful addition to the 616s.