The Autisms by Drs. Coleman and Gillberg is a veritable tour de force with encyclopedic coverage of what is known, suspected, and responsibly postulated about autism. The writing is clear, concise, and comprehensive. There are masterful discussions covering major topics of interest. The consistency offered by two major authors as opposed to many contributors of individual chapters is a breath of fresh air and this book is accessible and useful for a wide range of professionals as well as families dealing with this important group of disorders. (Phillip L. Pearl, MD, Division Chief, Child Neurology, Children's National Medical Center, Professor of Neurology, Pediatrics, and Music, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC)