INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH JOURNAL SPECIAL ISSUE ON “AUTISM” Edited by Ditza Zachor and Joav Merrick Volume 2, Issue 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS EDITORIAL 1 Autism spectrum disorder 3 Ditza A Zachor, MD and Joav Merrick, MD, MMedSci, DMSc REVIEW ARTICLES 5 Using an ecological approach to understand perception, cognition and action coupling in individuals with autism spectrum disorder 7 Amy Lynch, PhD, OTR/L and Nancy Getchell, PhD It takes a village: Redefining kin, extended family, and other social networks in the treatment of childhood autism 17 Jennifer Hillman, PhD, MA, BS and Elon Gruber, BA Best practices in the assessment and treatment of stereotypical behavior in individuals with autism 27 Kimberly N Sloman, PhD, Robert H LaRue, PhD, Mary Jane Weiss, PhD and Amy S Hansford, BA Attachment among individuals with autism spectrum disorders: A qualitative review 37 Nurit Yirmiya, PhD, Michal Shaked, PhD, Nina Koren-Karie, PhD and David Oppenheim, PhD COMPASS: Finding direction for individuals with autism spectrum disorders 51 Lisa Ruble, PhD and Grace Mathai, MA ORIGINAL ARTICLES 67 Enhancing multidisciplinary community supports for minority preschool children with autistic spectrum disorders: Promoting family centered and evidence based practices 69 Valeria Nanclares-Nogués, PhD, Elaine Lin, Carol Rolland, PhD, J Michael Cupoli, MD, and Michael E Msall, MD