A Wizard Alone by Diane Duane

In the sixth book in the Young Wizard's series, we find Nita lost in the numbing experience of grief and Kit assigned to investigate an Ordeal that is going on far too long for a new young wizard who happens to have autism.

A connection is made between the depression, weariness, and isolation that Nita feels, and Darryl's self-protecting isolation from a world that beats on his senses. Kit is able to journey into Darryl's mindscapes, with the help of his dog Ponch. (Like most pets of wizards, Ponch is developing some interesting and somewhat mysterious abilities.)

Danger arises as Kit soaks up some of Darryl's autism and as Kit gets caught up in the trap that Darryl has set for the Lone Power. This whole situation seems to shake Nita out of her indifference, and with her help, Kit and Darryl are able to stop the Lone Power's attacks on Darryl and escape to safety.

The story does a nice job exploring grief and autism, although Darryl's recovery from autism is a bit too much of a "happy ending." Not too realistic for folks actually dealing with autism, I'd say. I was glad to see that Kit and Nita seem to overcome the distance that had arisen between them in this and the previous book.

Now, I just need to find a copy of Wizard's Holiday

Ooh, I just found a cool web site: www.youngwizards.net It looks like it has information about the books and characters and discussion forums. I haven't looked at much of it, but it looks good so far.