The ability of 24 children with autism (ages 3-12) to comprehend pretend acts, consisting of an experimenter pouring a pretend substance from a container onto a target figure, was explored. There was no significant difference between subjects and controls in ability to identify the pretend substance, predict the actions' pretend outcome, or…

Two studies investigated the presence of precursors of symbol formation in eight autistic children (nine years old) compared to matched retarded children. Results indicated that autistic Ss could form internal images but appeared to be unable to manipulate them in a purposeful and meaningful manner. (Author/CL)

Evaluated were the effects of symbol versus speech training instruction on the behavior of four autistic children (8-9 years old). Following observation of their classroom and free play behavior, Ss participated in a training sequence involving Peabody Rebus Reading symbols and more traditional speech training procedures. Ss' inappropriate…