Presents a model that identifies the adjustment process following the birth of a less-than-perfect newborn. Outlines specific counseling intervention strategies that guide the counselor and family through the process towards acceptance. Emphasizes that early counseling leads to more complete adjustment and acceptance, with positive implications…

Describes a longitudinal research project designed to study infants' and young children's adaptation process and to determine how this process is related to a child's length of time in day care and his/her developmental stage. Particular attention is given to the recurrence of similar behaviors at different stages of development. (Author/RH)

The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of the Brazelton exam as a parent education tool for mothers and fathers. Target parents in treatment groups were taught to perform the Brazelton exam on their own infant, with attention being drawn to the infant's most positive interactive and physical abilities. (Author/RH)

Investigated through direct observation in the home whether mothers socialize differently boys and girls growing up as opposite-sexed twins, triplets, and quadruplets as a function of their different genders. Children and mothers were rated on behaviors about which contradictory evidence had been reported in the literature. (Author/DB)

Thirty-four pairs of same-sex siblings were observed for two one-hour periods in their homes. The younger siblings averaged 20 months of age and the age interval between siblings was either large (2.5-4 years) or small (1-2 years). (JMB)

Children referred to the Learning Disorders Unit of the Yale-New Haven Hospital were evaluated for indications of prenatal exposure to ethanol. Our results suggest a continuum of teratogenic effects of ethanol on the central nervous system. Journal availability The C. V. Mosby Co., 11830 Westline Industrial Dr., St. Louis, MO 63141. (Author)

Reviews three areas of research relevant to the impact of women's changing status on children's development: infant competence, maternal employment, and group care of very young children. Concludes that women's increasing social participation will not harm but rather benefit children, as long as comprehensive family support services are provided.…

The influence of the oral input of five deaf mothers on the language development of their two-year-old children was investigated. The results indicated that children, when cognitively ready, need little exposure to the normal model language to learn to speak during the early stages of development. (Author/DLS)

Evidence points to increased parental dependence on group care for their preschoolers, infants, and toddlers. Demographic, economic and attitudinal factors, and public policy have contributed to this trend and can be expected to play a major part in the future demand for and supply of day care. (Author)

Presents methodological and factual analyses of children's use of imitative speech as a strategy in language acquisition. The impact of conversational interactions and picture-story books on the speech of one girl aged 20 to 32 months is demonstrated. Four methodological problem areas are analyzed. (Author/RH)

Longitudinal observations of maternal and infant characteristics were used to investigate the consequences of early day care intervention for infants at high risk for intellectual retardation due to sociocultural factors. (JMB)

Observations by parents of 11 Down's syndrome infants and observations by parent advisors on a criterion-referenced checklist were compared to observation by trained evaluators using the standardized Bayley Scales of Infant Development. (CL)

Behavioral patterns and problems of 159 first-born infants and their mothers were studied at birth, 2-months, and again at the age of 18 months. Journal availability: J. B. Lippincott co., E. Washington Square, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19105. (Author/PHR)

Four questions are discussed that deal with aspects of neurological, affective, and cognitive development of infants and have implications for educational programs. (Author/SB)

Examines research which indicates that in the first days of life infants are able to elicit and respond to their mothers' behavior, however, it appears that the newborns exert more influence over the mothers' actions than the mothers exert over the infants' actions. (MH)