Twenty-three autistic children (age 4-19) and 23 mental age-matched controls completed a task of sustained attention. Results suggest that autistic children's difficulties in sustaining attention may be attributable to developmental delay and motivational contingencies of task rather than to a primary impairment in ability to sustain attention.…

Families in urban and rural settings were studied in an investigation of environmental influences on the development of Haitian-American infants. Birthweight and scores on the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment predicted mental development. Psychomotor development was related to birthweight and household crowding. (PCB)

The influence of various forms of homelessness on children's development is discussed. The role of personal space in development is considered, particularly in regard to the settings in which homeless children spend much of their time. (PCB)

Investigates the cognitive style of 145 preschool children and the relation of cognitive style to other cognitive correlates. Results indicate that, in comparison with peers, preschool gifted girls are more likely to be field independent and preschool gifted boys are more likely to be reflective. (RJC)

The special developmental needs of young children with congenital HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection require evaluation, training, therapy, and other supports. Such services should be guided by developmentalists in a child study center in close alliance with medical, educational, and community service providers. Concerns about the…

In response to a previous paper (EC 212 858) regarding the neurodevelopmental evidence for the basis of dyslexia, this paper suggests further concerns in the areas of cognitive measurement, the relationship between cortical-functional organization and child development, and lack of operational definitions in the study of the dyslexic syndrome. (DB)

Describes the use of four-person task assessments which were designed as a means of examining children's social interaction outside the classroom setting. Provides information concerning tasks and information obtained. Concludes that these tasks can be repeated over a period of years in order to evaluate the growth and maturity of subjects. (KO)

This research review examines the link between etiology of child maltreatment and developmental outcomes. The review points to a strong association between child maltreatment and attachment insecurity in infant-parent relations, as well as child maltreatment and dysfunctional child-peer relations during toddlerhood. (Author/JDD)

Reports results of the Parent/Teacher Study, which examined: (1) predictors associated with a positive or negative relationship between parents and teachers in child care settings; (2) the impact of parents' jobs on children; and (3) predictors associated with mothers' satisfaction with child care. (BB)

Reviews the literature concerning children's humor. Discusses major characteristics of early humor based on the child's level of developmental mastery, and proposes a conceptual model of humorous play. (RJC)

Examined effects of parental psychopathology and maltreatment on behavior of 102 children with mean ages of 9.75 years. Parental psychiatric status and maltreatment interacted significantly, so that offspring of schizophrenic parents from maltreating families showed increases in externalized behavior problems over time. (RJC)

Investigated the serial recall strategies of 96 children aged 5-8 years by applying a theoretical and methodological approach originally developed to investigate preschoolers' arithmetic strategies. Results indicated the use of multiple approaches for serial recall and adaptive strategy choices. (RJC)

A developmentally sensitive problem-solving task--the 20-Question Game--was used to examine development and treatment variables among 48 learning disabled and 48 normal boys at two age levels (8-13 years old). Results indicate that both younger boys and learning disabled boys demonstrated less efficient problem-solving skills than did others. (TJH)

Identifies some characteristics of non at-risk prospective parents (239 young adults who were enrolled in introductory psychology classes) which may contribute to more accurate knowledge of infant development. Results are interpreted in terms of subjects' sex, gender role orientation, ordinal position in the family, and amount of time spent with…

Analyzes videotapes of 42 children of 4-5 years and 24 children of 7-8 years playing doctors and nurses. Children were aware of the serial order of activities that occur in medical examinations. (RJC)