This observational study of the social interactions of 16 children with autism or Down syndrome in their homes found that differences in the frequencies and complexities of children's behaviors depended on behavioral intent in both groups. Socially intended behaviors were less frequent, less self-initiated, and less complex in children with…

Provides a review of the literature in the area of social characteristics of children with AD/HD, and outlines interventions for working with specific social problems. Presents possible reasons for the peer rejection of AD/HD students and includes inappropriate social behavior, social knowledge deficits and biases, and negative interactions with…

Examined the relationship among "laddishness" (traditionally working-class, youthful, male social behavior by young women), social representations, and self-reported aggression among English college students. Measures of aggression correlated with holding more instrumental representations of aggression. Females indicated no relationship…

Investigated differences in Korean- and European-American preschoolers' pretend play behavior, examining the influence of intracultural variations in children's skills and behavioral characteristics. Data from parent and teacher interviews and observations of children highlighted similar patterns predictive of pretend play for both groups.…

Provides an overview of the field of literacy studies, describing the range of work that has been covered and identifying current unresolved issues as ways of suggesting future directions and showing ways that literacy can be seen as an integral part of language. (Author/VWL)

Survey data from a southwestern metropolitan area are used to analyze whether the ability of personal Christian religiosity to predict social conformity is spuriously due to self-control. Results indicate that both personal religiosity and self-control display statistically significant, independent negative net relationships with many forms of…

This article discusses a study of children's perspectives on disciplinary conflicts with their foster parents. Most children accept parental authority, but they also defend their personal autonomy and loyalties to peers. In this study, only birthchildren told real-life stories about fierce resistance to get their own way. Fierce resistance among…

The Teacher Behavior Rating Scale (C. H. Hart & C. C. Robinson, 1996) was used to compare the withdrawn and sociable behaviors of 41 children with specific language impairment (SLI) and 41 typically developing peers. Three subtypes of withdrawal (reticence, solitary-active, solitary-passive) and 2 subtypes of sociable behavior (prosocial, impulse…

Four-year-old children showing low levels of social behavior in a laboratory play session with unfamiliar peers were classified as reticent (unoccupied or onlooking behaviors) or solitary-passive (solitary constructive or exploratory play). Compared with a group of more social children, the children in both low-social groups were rated high on…

Despite the inclusion of Asperger syndrome in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders--Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) American Psychiatric Association [APA], 1994) 10 years ago, there is ongoing debate regarding its validity as a diagnostic construct, particularly relative to the diagnosis of autistic disorder when it is not accompanied…

We describe an obedience demonstration that introduces social psychology in a new and interesting way. After students came to believe that a confederate was the course instructor, they complied with his request to provide him with personal information. Subsequent lecture introduced students to several key concepts, including obedience,…

In a previous study of the differential effects of contrasting early intervention programs on later social behavior (Mills, Cole, Jenkins, & Dale, 2002), we found no differences in self-report of juvenile delinquency at age 15 for children enrolled in direct instruction and child-directed models. These results disconfirmed the conclusion of…

The two most powerful forces for directing change in troubling young people are trust and relationship. The degree to which they are present between youth and adult is the degree to which positive change is possible. This article draws upon principles from the book, "The Resilience Revolution." Children are most primed to turn to trusted…

U.S. and Indonesian 9- to 11-year-old children (N = 147) reported on multiple occasions conflicts that they experienced with peers. The precursors of conflict, behavior during conflict episodes, and resolutions were coded. Teacher ratings of aggression and social preference were obtained. The conflicts of children in both countries most often…

This article considers the relationship between play and language skills of typical children and children with autism. Evidence for a relationship is reviewed, and it is concluded that if there is a relationship between play and language in children with autism it is weak, if it exists at all. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)