Background &aims: Language abilities of autistic children and children at elevated likelihood for autism (EL-siblings) are highly heterogeneous, and many of them develop language deficits. It is as of yet unclear why language abilities of autistic children and EL-siblings vary, although an interaction of multiple influential factors is likely…

This paper presents a biographical profile of Alfred Adler aiming to provide a measured overview of the impact of Alfred Adler's work on the theoretical paradigms and research avenues of contemporary developmental psychology. The key concepts of his theory are exposed: Feeling of Inferiority, Strive to Overcome, Style of Life, Superiority Complex…

Sibling relationships are an important context for development, but are often ignored in research and preventive interventions with youth and families. In childhood and adolescence, siblings spend considerable time together, and siblings' characteristics and sibling dynamics substantially influence developmental trajectories and outcomes. This…

Purpose: Identifying risk factors associated with neurodevelopmental disorders is an important line of research, as it will lead to earlier identification of children who could benefit from interventions that support optimal developmental outcomes. The primary goal of this review was to summarize research on risk factors associated with autism…

Animal models of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) have been used to demonstrate the specificity of alcohol's teratogenic effects and some of the underlying changes in the central nervous system (CNS) and, more recently, to explore ways to ameliorate the effects of alcohol. The main point of this review is to highlight research findings from…

This paper reviews the research literature from 1972 to 1990 relative to inappropriate sexual contact between children. Because of the difficulty in making a clear comparison between studies, the normal child sexual development literature was reviewed to establish a baseline for determining the nature of inappropriate sexual interactions between…

Children and adolescents have different understandings of death. For the baby, death is equated with separation. For toddlers, grief occurs when they realize the person is not returning. The preschool child who tends to live in the present with no clear concept of past or future will not understand the finality. Around ages 4 and 5, death is often…

Children have a variety of reactions to a sibling birth that includes disruptions in their physical and psychological functioning as well as apparent growth in these same areas. Explores the variety of factors that influence reactions to the sibling's birth and the relationship between the siblings. (BJV)

Only children and their parents may have special problems settling the issues of parent-child identification and attachment. Children without siblings and their parents face a continuing oedipal triangle unless the parents maintain united partnership at best, or at least are able to encourage independence in the child. (Author)

Examination of children with disabled siblings reveals that nondisabled children may treat their siblings more kindly and spend more time caring for them than do children with nondisabled siblings. Their experiences may produce more worries and anxieties; however, they also may develop more tolerance and humanitarian concerns. (Author/BJV)

This overview of research on the problems and concerns of parents of gifted and talented children highlights six key areas: family roles and adaptations, sibling relationships, parental self-concept, neighborhood and community issues, educational issues, and development of the child. (Author/JDD)

Siblings as teachers and therapists are viewed from the following perspectives: (1) within the context of the family system; and (2) as a distinct dyadic relational system. Both possibilities and limitations of sibling helping are discussed. (Author/BJV)

Proposes a theoretical framework of sibling conflict that includes temperamental characteristics of the siblings, the parent-sibling relationship, and the interaction between these factors. Continuing research validates this framework. (BJV)

This very brief paper summarizes 20 major findings of research on 3000 gifted children over 19 years at the Gifted Development Center (Denver, Colorado). Among findings are: (1) there are more highly gifted children than previously recognized; (2) when one child is gifted, the chances are great that all siblings are gifted; (3) second children are…

Examination of six one- and two-parent families reveals the following: (1) members of the same family have different perceptions of family experiences, including divorce and its impact on family relationships; (2) single parents seem to become closer to their children than do married parents; and (3) a one-parent two-sibling family differs from a…