Second-order mental state attribution in 22 children (ages 8-17) with Williams syndrome, 14 with Prader Willi syndrome, and 13 with nonspecific retardation. Participants were given two trials of a second-order reasoning task. No significant differences between children with Williams syndrome and the others were found. (Contains references.)…

Investigates how classroom communicative competence was defined in a multilingual preschool classroom. Sociolinguistic analysis of a conflict event, and the larger classroom context, reveals norms and values influencing the behaviors of the English-speaking teacher, bilingual teaching assistant, and Chinese-speaking preschoolers. Identifies…

Describes a tool for teaching and learning that helps develop needed communication and negotiation competencies in future administrators: coauthorship, or collaborative writing. Specifically, describes the use of coauthorship in two different educational leadership classes. (EV)

The purpose of this study was to determine how a sample of Caucasian American fathers (N=126) of 10- to 14-year-olds saw their strengths and weaknesses as parents and how their children saw their fathers' parenting. Perceptions from both generations were gathered to serve as a basis for recommendations for a parent education curriculum. (JDM)

Examines the relation between social and academic competence of school-age children (N=163) to determine the direction of influence between these two domains across time. Results supported a reciprocal model, indicating that academic achievement directly influenced social competence, and social competence was reciprocally related to academic…

A communicative competence instrument completed by 82 managers showed they were most competent in small groups, meetings, interpersonal, and written communication. Type and level of college degree had no impact on competence. (SK)

A microethnographic study examined the language functions and cultural traits of Mexican American children during sociodramatic play in a bilingual preschool classroom. Findings showed that children learn how to use social language by having the opportunity to practice it freely but with guidance. Suggestions were devised for evaluating children's…

This article describes the sense of terror felt by many individuals with Asperger syndrome due to distorted stimuli and social skills deficits. Societal attitudes that ostracize those that behave strangely or are socially awkward are discussed, along with disability persecution and discrimination. (CR)

States that because of the importance of spiritual and religious issues in the lives of many racial and ethnic minorities, this issue highlights salient considerations and themes when counseling such populations. Recommends that understanding these spiritual and religious issues may allow counselors to help identify a broader range of available…

Implemented a comprehensive, school-based instructional and social-competency-promotion program to prevent problem behavior in a middle school. Evaluation of the five-year program showed that it was ineffective, with no dependable results on youth behavior. Discusses implications of these findings. (SLD)

A study found that the social life of three adults with severe intellectual disabilities improved by removing social barriers through keeping a personal schedule, social activity scheduling, creating a personal information sheet, developing a friendship form, keeping a photo address and activity file, and receiving regular feedback. (CR)

A study analyzed whether obsessive behavior could be used functionally as the theme of an appropriate social game and whether the game would increase social interactions between three children (ages 5-8) with autism and their peers. Results indicated that after being taught a socially appropriate game, social interactions increased dramatically.…

A study investigated whether an academic or a social skills intervention would be more effective in increasing academic performance and social competence and in decreasing problem behavior of 53 first-graders. Academic, social, and behavioral outcomes measures were examined. None of the interaction terms was significant for any dependent variables…

A study of 90 adults found non-abused individuals reported the highest level of maternal warmth and affection and those that acknowledged consistent abuse (Acknowledgers) reported the lowest. While adults who minimized their abuse (Minimizers) and Acknowledgers reported similar levels of psychologically abusive experiences, Acknowledgers reported…

Notes that functional approach to social dominance or resource control advances important and unique developmental questions not suggested by structuralist approaches. States that the functional approach to social dominance centers on consequences of competition first and form of behavior second. Notes two areas for further research: whether…