Francesca Happé|Uta Frith
The neuropsychology of autism
review aim bring together major trends autism research three levels biology behaviour cognition propose cognitive theories vital neuropsychology seeks make connections brain abnormality behavioural symptoms research three levels incomplete important advances made biological level strong evidence genetic factors although mechanism yet unknown behavioural level diagnosis education becoming coherent less controversial although possibility autism subtypes provoked new debate cognitive level three major theories proving fruitful mentalizing impairment executive dysfunction weak central coherence although relation overlap uncertain rapidly advancing technology methodology eg brain imaging gene mapping tools cognitive theory may help make autism one first developmental disorders understood neuropsychological level