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.
Method: 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.
Conclusion: Autism can teach us how we learn about emotions and the possibility of sensitive periods of development.