This review of the literature provides summaries of the genetic, neurophysiological, and biochemical approaches to understanding autism, with special reference to neuroanatomic, cognitive, and neuropsychological studies of this disorder. Available instruments for the assessment of autism and various treatment alternatives including drug therapy, behavior modification, ethological approaches, and facilitated communication are briefly described. It is concluded that, although there is a lack of congruent data in the research on autism, evidence does suggest that autism is a neurologic syndrome. (Contains 87 references.) (DB)