Reviews what is known about fillers, proposes a reasonably unified set of criteria for identifying them, and suggests an approach that will promote their further study. (Author/VWL)

Describes a method for understanding child and relational growth, building on Wynne's (1984) epigenetic model of relational systems. Proposes that parent-child complementary relationships mature through Wynne's developmental stages via symmetrical struggles, and that these struggles are necessary ingredients in the development of the relationships…

Examined emergence of a writing system in 4- to 12- year-olds. Found transition occurring around age 6 in which production was more fluent for writing than drawing and activation of one system interfered with the other. Modeling consolidation of both phenomena generated testable parameters for development, involving increasing specialization and…

Investigates the relation of autonomy to naturally occurring social interactions in two studies: the first investigated college students' interactions with parents, and the second examined interactions across all relationships. Autonomy was significantly related to more positive and naturally occurring interaction, whereas control related more to…

The treatment of adolescent clients with hyperfunctional voice disorders is discussed from a developmental perspective. Facilitating techniques, treatment strategies, and materials is suggested. The recommended treatment approach focuses on enhanced awareness of the relationship between voice use and interpersonal skills in addition to behavioral…

This study attempts to rebut criticisms of the developmental theories of Jean Piaget by showing that most criticisms derive from misinterpretation and forget the dialectical, constructivist, and developmental nature of Piaget's work. Important aspects of Piaget's theory have not been assimilated by developmental psychologists. (SLD)

This "classic" article (1972) in the field of deaf studies includes some interpretive notes for current readers. The article examines the effect of deafness on basic developmental tasks at each of the eight developmental stages of Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development and explains the more successful passage through these…

Discusses the four planes of development and the periods of creation and crystallization within each plane. Identifies the type of independence that should be achieved by the end of the first two planes of development. Maintains that it is through individual work on the environment that one achieves independence. (KB)

A study of 28 infants (ages 8-12 months) investigated their ability to drink from a straw. Results indicate 22 percent were not able to drink from a straw, whereas 78 percent were able to do so. Data failed to reveal any significant differences based on gender, age, or ethnicity. (Contains nine references.) (Author/CR)

Notes that scientists understand in greater detail the various anatomical and neurological changes that allow children to develop motor and sensory abilities. Explores how the research findings are calling into question the notion of prescribed developmental milestones. (HTH)

In this study, seven children with specific language impairment (SLI) and speech deficits were matched with same age peers and evaluated for iambic (weak-strong) and trochaic (strong-weak) prosodic speech forms. Findings indicated that children with SLI and speech deficits show less mature segmental and speech motor systems, as well as decreased…

Investigates differential effects of goal specificity on maze learning among 40 young and 40 old adults. Results confirmed hypotheses that the presence or absence of a specific goal would disproportionately compromise or enhance, respectively, elderly people's performance. Suggests that instruction based on cognitive load theory can compensate for…

Maintains that the primary contribution of Wolfberg's book is its integration of various research literatures and its rich case studies, though its noncritical stance toward prevailing diagnostic paradigms for autism might be a shortcoming. Suggests that the book's reference to developmental stages is remarkably traditional for a text that…

British student teachers (n=240) completed the Teacher Concerns Questionnaire three times during the postgraduate certificate in education course. Concerns decreased between the first and second and first and third administration, but increased between the second and third, suggesting that development of concerns is not sequential. Concerns about…

A study involving 36 children and 10 adults investigated development of auditory frequency and temporal resolution using simultaneous and backward masking of a tone. On the measure of frequency resolution, 6- year-olds performed as well as adults. However, for the backward masking task, 6-year-olds had higher threshold than adults. (Contains…