Previous studies suggest that individuals with Williams syndrome (WS), a rare genetically based neurodevelopmental disorder, show specific weaknesses in visual attention and response inhibition within the visuospatial domain. Here we examine the extent to which impairments in attentional control extend to the visuomotor domain using a…

This article focuses on spontaneous and progressive knowledge building in ''the arithmetic of the child.'' The aim is to investigate variations in the behavior patterns of eight pupils attending a school for the intellectually disabled. The study is based on the epistemology of radical constructivism and the methodology of multiple clinical…

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are more frequently associated with tic disorders than expected by chance. Variable rates of comorbidity have been reported and common genetic and neurobiological factors are probably involved. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of tic disorders in a clinical sample (n = 105) of children and…

A nationwide survey of 25,872 noninstitutionalized mentally retarded people in the Federal Republic of Germany found an estimated self-injurious behavior (SIB) prevalence among 1.7 percent. Prevalence of stereotypic behavior among SIB individuals was 65 percent compared to 62 percent among persons without SIB. (Author/CB)

This study examined the recreational patterns of 33 individuals with an intellectual handicap. Results of the New Zealand study indicated that the overall profile tended to be similar to the population in general. Some gender differences in activity participation were observed. The role of the New Zealand Society for the Intellectually Handicapped…

A study of 571 Australian children (ages 4-18) with mental retardation investigated potential behavioral risk factors for injury. Results found the prevalence of potential injury risk behaviors to be higher than for typical children and that the behavioral injury risk patterns reflected those seen in younger aged typical children. (Author/CR)

Investigation of activity patterns of four residents of a Community Residential Unit in Victoria, Australia, found that personal/domestic activities engaged 35-47 percent of residents' time, followed by sedentary activities (18-25 percent). Social interaction and indoor recreation occupied less than 9 percent of time and outdoor and social…

The organization, functions, and work of the Research Institute of Physical Culture and Health, and the Research Unit for Sport and Physical Fitness, both functioning at the premises of the Foundation of Physical Culture and Health in Jyvaskyla, Finland, are discussed. Research papers which have been presented at international congresses during…