bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BRAIN DAMAGE SYNDROMES IN CHILDHOOD: CONCEPTS AND FINDINGS*
Authors: Rutter Michael
Published: December 2006

A great deal has still to be learned on the various ways in which brain damage predisposes children to psychiatric disorder. Research has shown that many of the stereotypes of “the brain damaged child” were mistaken and misleading. But, equally, studies have clearly shown the major importance of brain damage as a factor contributing in a substantial way to the genesis of child psychiatric disorder. Treatment methods have still to be evaluated but already there are pointers as to how psychiatric disorders in neurologically impaired or brain damaged children should be treated. In dismissing over simplified catch phrase concepts concerning brain damage syndromes it is important not to overlook the reality of the problems to which they refer.
PROGRESSIVE DISINTEGRATIVE PSYCHOSIS OF CHILDHOOD
Authors: Corbett John , Harris Ruth , Taylor Eric , Trimble Michael
Published: December 2006

The literature concerning dementia and disintegrative psychosis in childhood is reviewed. Two cases with different neurodegenerative disorders presenting with late juvenile onset psychiatric symptoms arc described. There appears little point in retaining the eponymous syndromes of de Sanctis and Heller. The diagnostic category of Progressive Disintegrative Psychosis is appropriate to describe the clinical psychiatric picture in these children. Because of the rarity of such conditions further collaboration between child psychiatrists, paediatiric neurologists and neuropathologists is needed to delineate further the psychiatric syndromes associated with the neurodegenerative disorders.
CRITICAL NOTICE
Authors: Werry John S.
Published: December 2006

Child Personality and Psychopathology: Current Topics. (Vol. 3). Edited by Anthony Davids.
MATERNAL SEPARATION VS REMOVAL PROM GROUP COMPANIONS IN RHESUS MONKEYS
Authors: McGinnis Lynda M.
Published: December 2006

The present study involving the removal of rhesus monkey mother‐infant pairs from their social groups, but not mother‐infant separation, was compared with earlier studies involving maternal separation. The comparisons indicated that maternal separation per se produced the most distress in infant rhesus monkeys. Effects on the mothers' behaviour of removal from the social group produced disturbance to the mother‐infant relationship without a maternal separation experience, however, as the mothers had to re‐establish social relationships on reunion. The nature of the mothers' social relationships affected the rate at which the mothers re‐established their social positions in the group.
SOCIAL INTERACTION IN WITHDRAWN AND AGGRESSIVE MALADJUSTED GIRLS: A STUDY OF GAZE
Authors: Rutter D. R. , O'Brien Pamela
Published: December 2006

The purpose of this experiment was to examine the social behaviour of withdrawn and aggressive girls, taking gaze as the dependent measure. Twenty girls aged 12–15 years, half of them diagnosed as withdrawn and half aggressive, each took part in two video‐taped conversations with an adult, one a “personal” conversation, the other “impersonal”. It was predicted, in line with previous research on withdrawn adults, that the withdrawn girls would gaze less than the aggressive group, but that the difference would be marked only in the personal conversation. Both hypotheses were supported, and the implications for our understanding of maladjustment and for research on gaze are discussed.
SELECTIVE PLACEMENT OF ADOPTED CHILDREN: PREVALENCE AND EFFECTS
Authors: Hardy‐Brown Karen , Plomin Robert , Greenhalgh John , Jax Karen
Published: December 2006

Should adopted children be placed with adoptive parents who are matched to them on physical or behavioral characteristics? This question has been informally debated for many years, yet there is very little theoretical or empirical work on the topic. The purpose of this article is to review what is known of the extent of selective placement from previous studies, to examine data concerning the effects of selective placement and to explore some theoretical implications of selective placement. The article addresses the questions of the extent of selective placement and the effect of selective placement on adopted children. It is suggested that even where substantial selective placement occurs, it may not always be producing the desired effect.
THE QUESTION OF EGOCENTRISM: THE YOUNG CHILD'S COMPETENCE IN THE CO‐ORDINATION OF PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Peter Hobson R.
Published: December 2006

The young child, Piaget suggests, is unable to imagine any perspective but his own; still less can he co‐ordinate a universe of possible perspectives. This facility is said to require a flexibility and coherence of thought which the individual acquires only when he reaches the stage of concrete operations at the age of about 6 or 7 years. To test this proposition, subjects between 21/2 and 7 years were invited to participate in a game in which pipe‐cleaner men play hide‐and‐seek. The results indicate that even very young children have the potential to co‐ordinate points of view.
PROBLEMS IN THE CATEGORIZATION OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT EEGs*
Authors: Kaufman Kenneth Roland , Harris Ruth , Shaffer David
Published: December 2006

A negative replication of Nuffield's (1961a, b) neuropsychiatric correlation study is presented. Of 946 patients seen over a twelve‐year period in the EEG Department of The Maudsley Hospital, 350 had spike abnormalities in their EEGs; however, only 22 patients had “pure” EEG patterns (unilateral temporal lobe spike; generalized 3 c/sec spike and wave; generalized, irregular spike and wave). Of these, 11 had only had a single EEG and a further 2 patients had normal follow‐up recordings. The authors conclude that previously reported neuropsychiatric correlations based upon “pure” EEGs may be the result of chance finding only.
INTELLECTUAL PERFORMANCE AND READING SKILLS AFTER LOCALIZED HEAD INJURY IN CHILDHOOD
Authors: Chadwick Oliver , Rutter Michael , Thompson James , Shaffer David
Published: December 2006

Ninety ‐seven school‐age children who had previously sustained B unilateral compound depressed fracture of the skull, involving a tear in the dura and observed damage to the underlying brain, were studied using tests of intelligence and reading attainment together with more specialized tests of specific cognitive Functions Intellectual impairment was significantly associated with the overall severity of brain trauma, as reflected in the duration of unconsciousness and treatment for cerebral oedema It was also probably associated with the severity of local trauma, as reflected in late post‐traumatic epilepsy or motor abnormalities contralateral to the side of the injury. Neither die child's age at injury nor the hemisphere damaged had much effect on the pattern of cognitive deficit.
PERIPHERAL AND CENTRAL HANDICAP AND ENCODING
Authors: O'Connor N. , Hermelin B.
Published: December 2006

A linear model of information processing led to many experiments on learning difficulties in the subnormal and severely subnormal. It assumes learning can result from a break in the chain of information flow at any point but overlooks compensatory mechanisms common to a developing organism. To compensate for the model's difficulties, we compared blind and deaf children with subnormal and subnormal autistic children (i.e. localized with general cognitive incapacities). Absence of a modality led to alternative encoding strategies, but in certain circumstances they also occurred in the centrally handicapped. Reasons for the similarities and differences are discussed.
GOING TO THE DOCTOR: A DEVELOPMENTAL STUDY OF STRESS AND COPING
Authors: Hyson Marion C.
Published: December 2006

Summary Children's emotional responses and coping behavior were observed during pediatric examinations. Facial expressions of emotion were coded every 30 sec. Behavior records were coded according to the APPROACH system; from these, proportions of three categories of coping behavior (Information, Comfort and Autonomy) were calculated. Results showed the effect of age (6–12 months; 18–36 months; 42–60 months) and time period (before, during or after the examination) on children's levels of negative emotion. Use of specific coping categories at each time period varied with age. The data also suggested some contingent relationships between facial emotions and coping categories.
A DOUBLE‐BLIND DRUG TRIAL OF TREATMENT IN YOUNG CHILDREN WITH WAKING PROBLEMS
Authors: Richman Naomi
Published: December 2006

A double‐blind trial using trimeprazine tartrate was carried out in 22 children with severe waking problems. On parental verbal reports sleep was significantly improved on the drug compared with the original baseline and the placebo, but diaries kept by the parents showed that this improvement was clinically only moderate, with many wakeful nights still occurring. Taking the drug produced no permanent effect on sleep patterns and a follow‐up of 14 children 6 months later showed persisting sleep problems in the majority.
SIBLING QUARRELS AND MATERNAL INTERVENTION: INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN UNDERSTANDING AND AGGRESSION
Authors: Dunn Judy , Munn Penny
Published: December 2006

Abstract Individual differences in the nature and frequency of conflict behaviour between 18–24 month old children and their older siblings were investigated in a sample of 43 sibling pairs observed at home with their mothers. By 24 months, relatively mature behaviour such as conciliation, teasing, reference to social rules and justification for prohibition were observed. These behaviours were correlated with maternal and sibling reference to social rules and feelings 6 months earlier; physical aggression was correlated with earlier sibling physical aggression and maternal involvement. Sibling status and type of maternal intervention were not related to frequency and duration of sibling conflict.
CRITICAL NOTICE
Authors: Gath Ann
Published: December 2006

Mental Deficiency–The Changing Outlook. Ann M. Clarke, Alan D. B. Clarke and Joseph M. Berg
Book Reviews
Authors: Stores Gregory , Chadwick Oliver , Skuse David , Howlin Patricia , Bond David , Middleton Judith , Pring Linda , Steinberg D. , Baron‐Cohen Simon , Thotley Geoffrey , Karle Hellmut W. A. , Hill Peter , Johnson Hilary , Angold A.
Published: December 2006

Children on Medication. Volume I Hyperactivity, Learning Disabilities, and Mental Retardation. Kenneth D. Gadow.

Children on Medication. Volume II Epilepsy, Emotional Disturbance, and Adolescent Disorders. Kenneth D. Gadow.

Sniffing Solvents. Eve Merrill (with a contribution by Barrie Liss, Chairman of Re‐Solv).

Information Pack: Sniffing Solvents and Volatile Substance Abuse. Re‐Solv: The Society for the Prevention of Solvent and Volatile Substance Abuse, Stone, Staffordhsire.

Slow Grows the Child: Psychosocial Aspects of Growth Delay. Edited by E. STABLER and L. E. Underwood.

Genetics and Learning Disabilities. Edited by Shelley D. Smith.

Studying School Effectiveness. Edited by David Reynolds.

Head Trauma: Educational Reintegration. Christine Duncan Rosen and Joan P. Gerring.

Language and Experience: Evidence from the Blind Child. B. Landau and L. R. Gleitman.

Advances in Adolescent Health, Vol. 1, Parts A and B. Edited by Ronald A. Feldman and Arlene Stiffman.

Social Behaviour in Autism. Edited by E. E. Schopler and G. B. Mesibov.

Hyperkinetic Children: A Neuropsychological Approach. C. Keith Conners and Karen C. Wells.

Hypnotherapy of Pain in Children with Cancer. Josephine R. Hilgard and Samuel LeBaron.

The Nature of the Child. Jerome Kagan.

Literacy: Teaching and Learning Language Skills. Edited by A. Cashdan.

Psychopathology of Childhood. A Clinical Experimental Approach (2nd edn). Steven Schwartz and James H. Johnson.

Infant Psychiatry: an Introductory Textbook. K. Minde and R. Minde.
Do Autistic Children Differ from Retarded and Normal Children in Piagetian Sensorimotor Functioning?
Authors: Morgan Sam B. , Cutrer Pamela S. , Coplin Jane W. , Rodrigue James R.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Piagetian sensorimotor functioning of 10 autistic, 10 retarded, and 10 normal children, closely matched on mental age, was assessed with the Dunst revision of the Uzgiris and Hunt scales of infant psychological development The three groups showed mi significant differences in overall performance W specific subtest performance as revealed by estimated developmental ages, number of failed items, and Piagetian stage levels. These findings, which are contrary to previous reports of early sensorimotor deficits specific to autism, suggest that the long‐term cognitive deficits in autism are more in symbolic thinking, which does not emerge until the end of the sensorimotor period.
Validation of Hyperactive, Aggressive, and Mixed Hyperactive/Aggressive Childhood Disorders: A Research Note
Authors: Halperin Jeffrey M. , O'Brien John D. , Newcorn Jeffrey H. , Healey Jane M. , Pascualvaca Daisy M. , Wolf Lorraine E. , Young J. Gerald
Published: December 2006

Abstract Eighty‐five non‐referred school children were divided into four groups based upon the IOWA Conners Teacher's Questionnaire: pure hyperactive (HYP), pure aggressive (AGG), mixed hyperactive/aggressive (HYP/AGG), and normal controls. The groups were compared on neurobehavioral tests believed to assess inattention and impulsivity. A continuous performance test indicated that the HYP group was more inattentive than the other groups and the HYP/AGG group was most impulsive. The AGG group did not differ from controls. The data support the distinction between HYP, AGG and HYP/AGG groups of children selected by the IOWA Conners.
Comorbidity in Child Psychopathology: Concepts, Issues and Research Strategies
Authors: Caron Chantal , Rutter Michael
Published: December 2006

Abstract Epidemiological data show that the co‐occurrence of two or more supposedly separate child (and adult) psychiatric conditions far exceeds that expected by chance (clinic data cannot be used for this determination). The importance of comorbidity is shown and it is noted that it is not dealt with optimally in either DSM‐III‐R or ICD‐9. Artifacts in the detection of comorbidity are considered in terms of referral and screening/surveillance biases. Apparent comorbidity may also arise from various nosological considerations; these include the use of categories where dimensions might be more appropriate, overlapping diagnostic criteria, artificial subdivision of syndromes, one disorder representing an early manifestation of the other, and one disorder being part of the other. Possible explanations of true comorbidity are discussed with respect to shared and overlapping risk factors, the comorbid pattern constituting a distinct meaningful syndrome, and one disorder creating an increased risk for the other. Some possible means of investigating each of these possibilities are noted.
The Development of Contingent Discourse Ability in Autistic Children
Authors: Tager‐Flusberg Helen , Anderson Marcia
Published: December 2006

Abstract This study investigated communicative competence in autistic children. Six autistic boys were matched to six children with Down syndrome on age and language level. For each child four samples of spontaneous speech over the course of 1 year were analysed. Child utterances were coded for adjacency, contingency and various categories of contingent discourse that either did or did not add new information. Autistic children were found to be more non‐contingent, and to show no developmental change in their contingent discourse, especially in categories of contingent discourse that added new information.
Methodological Issues for Experiments on Autistic Individuals' Perception and Understanding of Emotion
Authors: Hobson R. Peter
Published: December 2006

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to consider problems that arise in designing and interpreting experimental investigations of autistic children's capacities for perceiving and understanding emotion, and to offer a review of published studies. Attention is drawn to some strengths and limitations of the experimental approach in this domain.
Identity Patterns and Self‐ and Teacher‐Perceptions of Problems for Deaf Adolescents: A Research Note
Authors: Cole Susan H. , Edelmann Robert J.
Published: December 2006

Abstract The present study investigated self‐ and teacher‐perceptions of deaf adolescents in relation to cultural identity. Fifty‐one deaf adolescents completed the Porteous Checklist and Deaf Identity Scale presented in British Sign Language. Subjects were assigned to deaf, hearing or dual identity groups. Results suggest that deaf adolescents' self‐perceived concerns are not dissimilar in content or severity to those of their hearing peers, although certain issues may assume a particular significance in the presence of deafness. The hypothesis that the hearing identity group would report most problems was not supported. Teachers rated the dual identity group as having the fewest difficulties.
Determinants of Expressed Emotion in Families of Disturbed and Normal Children
Authors: Hibbs Euthymia D. , Hamburger Susan D. , Lenane Marge , Rapoport Judith L. , Kruesi Markus J. P. , Keysor Cynthia S. , Goldstein Michael J.
Published: December 2006

Abstract– Both high expressed emotion (EE) and psychiatric disorders were frequent in the parents of children and adolescents with disruptive behavior disorder (DBD, N= 34) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD, N = 49) compared to normal controls (NC, N = 41).

Parental psychiatric diagnosis was significantly related to high‐EE in fathers (p= .0002) and mothers (p= .0001) of all groups combined, and in parents of the ill groups (p = .03). Absence of diagnosis was associated with low‐EE in fathers (p = .0006) and mothers (p= .04) of the controls.

Psychiatric diagnosis was the only significant predictor for high‐EE in fathers, while for mothers child's diagnosis was a stronger predictor.
Life Events, Depression, and Perceived Problem Solving Alternatives in Adolescents
Authors: Adams Michael , Adams Jerry
Published: December 2006

Abstract– The association between negative life events and depression may be mediated by adolescents' sense of competency in solving problems. This study investigated (a) the relationship between troublesome life events and level of depression and (b) the association between level of depression and adolescents' perceived problem solving alternatives, in 135 tenth graders. The specific life events of “unemployment of a family member”, “starting at a new school”, and “breaking up with a boy/girlfriend”, were associated with higher levels of depression. In addition, higher levels of depression were associated most consistently with the perceived alternatives of getting intoxicated and of isolating oneself in response to a variety of problems. Further research is needed to clarify both the extent to which depression influences adolescents' responses to negative life events and leads to poorer problem solving choices, and the degree to which negative life events and the lack of constructive problem solving alternatives increase the risk of depression.
IQ and the Genetics of Autism
Authors: Szatmari Peter , Jones Marshall B.
Published: December 2006

Abstract– While there seems to be general agreement that genetic factors play some role in the etiology of autism, many important questions remain unresolved. The purpose of this paper is to review five issues with respect to the association between low IQ and autism from a familial‐genetic viewpoint: (1) does IQ estimate the severity of the autistic genotype?; (2) what is the relationship between probands’and sibs’IQs?; (3) what is the relationship between parents’and probands’IQs?; (4) why do females with autism have lower IQs than males with the disorder?; and (5) does IQ vary with the cause of autism?

With respect to each issue, possible resolutions are outlined, as are the implications for understanding the genetic mode of transmission. The review concludes with a possible model for the genetic etiology of autism.
A Comparison of ICD‐9 and ICD‐10 Diagnoses of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Steinhausen H.‐Ch. , Erdin A.
Published: December 2006

Abstract– ICD‐9 and ICD‐10 categories were compared in a consecutive cohort of patients attending a public child and adolescent psychiatric service. There were some remarkable changes in the frequency of comparable diagnoses that reflect both systematic effects due to the changed format of the ICD‐10 as well as certain changes specific to the service.
The Inter‐Rater Reliability of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Disorders in the ICD‐10
Authors: Steinhausen H.‐Ch. , Erdin A.
Published: December 2006

Abstract– Using the ICD‐10 criteria for mental and behavioral disorders, a series of five written case‐histories was rated by 32 clinicians with various training backgrounds and different degrees of clinical expertise. As expected, reliability was dependent on clinical expertise and increased when an option for an alternative diagnosis was provided in addition to the main diagnosis. Inter‐rater agreement in 10 written case‐histories rated by senior child and adolescent psychiatrists was to 66% . In comparison with previous studies based on the ICD‐9, there is some evidence that the improved conceptualization of the ICD‐10 contributes to better reliability.
Familial Adversities and Child Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Blanz Bernd , Schmidt Martin H. , Esser Günter
Published: December 2006

Abstract– The well known association between child and adolescent psychiatric disorders and chronic adversities was proved in a field sample. Children (356) were investigated at the ages of 8 and 13 years. The association between child psychiatric disorders and chronic adverse conditions in the familial environment—measured by the FAI—was analysed with respect to the variables: age, sex, psychiatric diagnoses, and course (stability) of disorder. The FAI proved to be predictive of psychiatric disorder, in particular of early onset disorder, of disorders in boys, and of conduct disorders. According to the results, the common assumption that chronic adversities cause child psychiatric disorders must be viewed cautiously.
Localization of Visual Targets Inside and Outside the Field of View: the Effect of Hearing Loss
Authors: Netelenbos J. Bernard , Savelsbergh Geert J. P.
Published: December 2006

Abstract– In two experiments the eye and head localization responses of auditorially handicapped children to visual targets in a surrounding circular display were compared with the corresponding responses of age‐matched controls (Experiment 1, mean age: 131 months, hearing loss of auditorially handicapped children > 90 dB; Experiment 2, two age groups with mean ages: 72 and 123 months, hearing loss of auditorially handicapped > 50 dB). It was hypothesized that an auditory deprivation results in a deficient spatial orientation to the regions outside the visual field. This in turn should affect the actual localization behaviour to visual targets situated within those regions. Differences between the auditorially handicapped and non‐handicapped children were found with respect to the localization times of so‐called‘reversal’responses of eye (Experiment 1) and head (Experiment 2) to targets situated outside the field of view. In the second experiment significant age‐effects were present. The implications of these findings for the presence of specific differences in cognitive spatial abilities between auditorially handicapped and hearing children are discussed.
Printed in Great Britain. Coping with Security Distress: the Separation Anxiety Test and Attachment Classification at 4.5 Years*
Authors: Shouldice Anne , Stevenson‐Hinde Joan
Published: December 2006

Abstract The hypothesis that the same organization of attachment that can been seen in reunion with mother following a separation would be revealed in the child's responses to separation pictures was upheld. This supports the construct of an internal working model of attachment. Children classified as secure in reunion, compared to those classified as insecure, were more emotionally open to appropriate negative feeling, without being over‐expressive, and showed a greater ability to tolerate security distress aroused by the separation pictures without raising defences against it. Responses of avoidant. ambivalent and controlling groups showed elements of the same organization revealed in reunion behaviour‐These data support the validity of the Separation Anxiety Test (SAT) as an attachment instrument, but are not strong enough to suggest using it as an alternative to classifications.
Attention Deficit and Reading Achievement
Authors: Fergusson D. M. , Horwood L. J.
Published: December 2006

Abstract A model for estimating possible reciprocal relationships between attention deficit and reading achievement is proposed. This model is fitted to data for a birth cohort of New Zealand children studied at 10 and 12 years on measures of attention deficit and reading achievement. Model estimates suggest that at the age of 12 years the predominant direction of causality is that attention deficits influence reading achievement and there is no evidence to suggest that reading achievement influenced attention deficit levels. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Lithium in Hospitalized Children at 4 and 8 Weeks: Mood, Behavior and Cognitive Effects
Authors: Carlson Gabrielle A. , Rapport Mark D. , Pataki Caroly S. , Kelly Kevin L.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Eleven psychiatrically hospitalized children were treated with lithium carbonate for a minimum of 8 weeks. Based on literature review, their psychopathology, diagnoses and family history suggested they would be positive lithium responders. Weekly ratings in behavioral domains showed childrens' improvement in areas of self control, aggression and irritability, more obvious at 8 than 4 weeks. However, of seven children studied with double blind crossover, improvement behaviorally and cognitively was maintained on placebo. Only three of 11 children improved enough to be discharged on lithium. Implications of lithium's anti‐aggressive and anti‐manic effects in children are discussed.
Differences Between Informants' Reports describing Emotional and Behavioural Problems in Community and Clinic‐referred Children: a Research Note
Authors: Sawyer Michael Gifford , Baghurst Peter , Mathias Jane
Published: December 2006

Abstract This study compared the pattern of reports describing childhood emotional and behavioural problems amongst children in the community with the pattern of reports describing children referred to mental health clinics. Whereas children in the community reported more externalizing and internalizing problems than were reported by their parents, clinic‐referred children reported fewer externalizing but more internalizing problems than their parents. The results highlight potential limitations which may arise when reports describing the problems of clinic‐referred children air used as the criterion fur assessing the clinical significance of reports describing problems amongst children in the community.
A Follow‐Up Study of High‐Functioning Autistic Children
Authors: Venter André , Lord Catherine , Schopler Eric
Published: December 2006

Abstract Fifty‐eight high‐functioning autistic children were assessed during preschool and early school years and followed over a period of 8 years. Early and current psychometric and language tests, parent interviews concerning autistic symptomatology, and direct observations were examined as predictors of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales and scores on standardized achievement tests. Verbal skills emerged as the strongest predictor of social‐adaptive functioning Clear, positive relationships also emerged between intellctual functioning, and academic attainment Early non‐verbal IQ. also showed a positive relationship with outcome. Academic performance appeared considerably stroager than in earher studies.
Season of Birth: Issues, Approaches and Findings for Autism
Authors: Bolton P. , Pickles A. , Harrington R. , Macdonald H. , Rutter M.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Rates of birth in the general population show seasonal fluctuations for reasons that arc ill understood. Variations from these general imputation patterns have been reported for several psychiatric conditions and used as the basis for aetiological hypotheses In this paper, the evidence for alterations in the expected seasonal fluctuation in birth dates of autistic people is evaluated. A national sample of 1435 autistic individuals and a clinic sample Of 196 subjects are compared to general population figures and to 121 sibling controls. Compared with the general population, the national sample showed significant deviation's from the‐ expected rate of birth by month. In the clinic sample, differences from the anticipated monthly pattern were only evident when this sample was compared to the sibling controls. A variety of models for seasonal trends, including year quarters, temperature and sine wave forms, were fitted to these variations but no consistent picture emerged.
Hypothyroidism and Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Gillberg I. Carina , Gillberg Christopher , Kopp Svenny
Published: December 2006

Abstract Five children (three boys and two girls) with autism or autistic_like conditions are described. Three of them had congenital hypothyroidism and two had mothers who had probably been hypothyroid in pregnancy It is suggested that hypothyroid hormone deficiency in early development might Cause nervous system damage such that autistic symptoms are likely to ensue. An alternative explanation might be autoimmune factors linking hypothyroidism and autism
The Impact of Postnatal Depression on Infant Development
Authors: Murray Lynne
Published: December 2006

Abstract A large sample of primiparous women was screened far depression after childbirth. Those identified us depressed, women with a previous history of depression and a control group were followed up to 18 months, went their infants were assessed on measures of congomotive, spcoal and behavioural development. Infants of postnatally depressed mothers performed worse on object concept tasks, were more insecurely attached to their mothers and worst on object concepl task, were mure insecurely attached to their mothers and showing more mild behavioural difficulties. Postnatal depression had no effect on general cognitive and language development, but appeared to make infants more vulnerable to adverse effects of lower social class and male gender.
Cognitive Modifiability of Adolescents with Schizophrenia: a Research Note
Authors: Skuy Mervyn , Apter Alan , Dembo Yoram , Tyano Samuel , Kaniel Shlomo , Tzuriel David
Published: December 2006

Abstract It is well documented that schizophrenic patients suffer from numerous cognitive defects. In a preliminary investigation, the Learning Potential Assessment Device was used under controlled conditions to examine the cognitive modifiability of Institutionalized adolescent schizophrenics (N= 12) and a contrast group of adolescents with severe conduct disorders (N= 10). Feuerstein's theory of structural cognitive modifiability was thus applied in assessing potential for change. Results are encouraging in tint there was evidence of the modifiability of the experimental subgroups of both the schizophrenic and conduct disorder groups.
Deception and Sabotage in Autistic, Retarded and Normal Children
Authors: Sodian Beate , Frith Uta
Published: December 2006

Abstract We investigated autistic, mentally retarded, and normal children's ability to deceive or obstruct an opponent. When required to tell a lie (saying that a box was locked) autistic children performed significantly worse than their controls, taking into account mental age, However, they readily prevented a competitor from gaining a reward by physical manipulation (locking a box). Their success on sabotage demonstrated that failure failure on deception was not due to an inability to understand the task. Performance on deception was predicted by performance on a false belief attribution task. The present findings confirm that autistic children have a specific deficit in understanding and manipulating beliefs.
Development of Low‐ and High‐Functioning Autistic Children
Authors: Burack Jacob A. , Volkmar Fred R.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Aspects of developmental sequences and structures were assessed in low‐ and high‐Functioning autistic and non‐autistic developmentally disabled children. Specific developmental issues examined included sequences, regressions and profiles. Classification into the high‐ or low‐functioning groups was based on a full stale IQ cutoff of 50. In general, there were few differences in the sequences of development among the groups. However, the autistic children were more likely than non‐autistic children to display developmental regressions and unevenness across developmental domains. These developmental peculiarities were more pronounced in the low‐ as compared to high‐functioning autistic children. These findings are discussed with regard to issues of developmental processes, classification and autism.
Family Stress and Functioning in Children: the Moderating Effects of Children's Beliefs About Their Control Over Parental Conflict
Authors: Rossman B. B. Robbie , Rosenberg Mindy S.
Published: December 2006

Abstract While factors such as gender and SES have been studied as moderators of stress for children, their perceptions of control have received little attention. In the current study, children's domain‐specific perceptions of their control during nmrua Conflict were investigated as potential moderators of the impact of family stress on children's behavior problems, and perceptions of competence. Ninety‐four children aged 6–12 years and mothers from families ranging in level of parental conflict from non discordant to discordant to physically violent were interviewed. Multiple regression analyses revealed that higher levels of conflict control beliefs acted as compensatory moderators of stress, being associated with lower levels of problem behaviors across stress levels. However, higher conflict control beliefs acted as vulnerability moderators with regard to children's perceptions of competence.
Abnormal Psychosocial Situations and ICD‐10 Diagnoses in Children and Adolescents Attending a Psychiatric Service
Authors: Steinhausen H.‐C. , Erdin A.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Two recent WHO drafts for ICD‐10 diagnoses and the assessment of abnormal psycosocial situations were used in a large cohort of patients attending a child and adolescent psychiatric service. In addition IQ revealing frequency distributions of psychosocial features, it was shown that a total score of abnormal psychosocial features was mainly dependent on socioeconomic status and was to a lesser extent dependent, on age. Sex was not found to be significant. In addition, there was a significant association between IQ and settle maid categories of the list of psychosocial features. Among diagnoses, the strongest correlations with psychosocial conditions exist for conduct disorders and mixed disorders of conduct and emotions. A high symptom load is associated with higher frequencies of abnormal psychosocial situations.
Behavioural Problems in Children with Down's Syndrome and their Siblings
Authors: Cuskelly Monica , Dadds Mark
Published: December 2006

Abstract Reports of problem behaviour in children with Down's syndrome and their siblings were gathered from mothers, fathers and teachers. Twenty‐one sibling pairs were included in the study. The Revised Behavior Problem Checklist (Quay & Peterson, 1983) Wag used to gather information on total problem behaviour and on five specific problem areas. Children with Down's syndrome were reported to display more problem behaviours overall and to show significantly more attentional problems than their siblings by all rater groups. Sisters of children with Down's syndrome were reported to be more conduct disordered than were brothers by mothers, fathers and Learners. Measures of depression and marital satisfaction found both parent groups to be in the non‐d is tressed range on these instruments, Depression contributed significantly to both parents' reports of problems in the siblings while marital satisfaction was important for mothers' reports of problems in children with Down's syndrome.
Reliability of a Handedness Performance Test in Right and Left Handed Children: a Research Note
Authors: Longoni A. M. , De Gennaro L.
Published: December 2006

Abstract A 25–item handedness performance test was administered twice, at a one‐month interval, to 85 elementary school children (60 right handers and 25 left handers in two different age groups). The laterally quotient distribution For light handers was more skewed and significantly different in central tendency and shape than (he left handers' distribution, Mean point‐biserial item‐test correlation was 0.85. The test‐retest correlation coefficient for the whole group was 0.79.
Sources of Distress among New Zealand Adolescents
Authors: McGee Rob , Stanton Warren R.
Published: December 2006

Abstract This study examined sources of distress experienced by 15‐year‐old adolescents in a large sample from the general population. We identified four types of stressful life circumstances relating to problems of self‐image and independence, academic and physical competence, parental conflict, and moving residence and schools. Girls reported higher levels of distress for the first three types of circumstance. Reports of distress were associated with poor family social support, maternal depression and parental separation. Both DSM‐III disorder and poor social competence were associated with differential patterns of distress. Lastly, poor social competence and high distress were independent and additive predictors of mental health disorders.
Attainments of Severely Mentally Retarded Adolescents by Aetiology
Authors: Smith Beryl , Phillips C. J.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Piagetian cognitive level, language abilities, adaptive behaviour and graphic skills were assessed in three groups of adolescents with severe learning difficulties: Down's syndrome (DS), congenital cerebral palsy (CP) and unknown origin (NSP). Results were compared with assessments made seven years earlier. A wide range of scores was observed in each group. Medians of the DS and NSP groups were similar and generally were significantly higher than those of the CP group. When the number and severity of other impairments and disabilities (HDCP) was taken into account, group averages of attainments and progress were very similar. Implications for intervention are discussed.
Family Change, Parental Discord and Early Offending
Authors: Fergusson D. M. , Horwood L. J. , Lynskey M. T.
Published: December 2006

Abstract The relationship between exposure to family change, exposure to parental discord during the period from birth to 10 years and risks of offending by the age of 13 years was studied in a birth cohort of New Zealand children. This analysis showed that while exposure to parental discord during middle and early childhood led to increased risks of early offending, exposure to family change in the absence of parental discord did not lead to increased risks of offending. The results also suggested that children with a history of early conduct problems were particularly susceptible to parental discord but that the effects of discord did not vary with the child's gender. These results persisted when errors of measurement in the reporting of offending were taken into account using latent class methods.
The Effect of Delay on Hyperactive and Non‐hyperactive Children's Response Times: a Research Note
Authors: Sonuga‐Barke E. J. S. , Taylor E.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Twenty‐four hyperactive and 55 non‐hyperactive children made a button press after the disappearance of a stimulus presented for either 1, 15 or 30 sec. Hyperactive children's responses were generally slower than those of non‐hyperactive children and increased with length of pre‐response delay, while non‐hyperactive children's response time remained the same across all presentation levels. The results are interpreted as giving support to accounts that stress the role of pre‐response delay, rather than time on task per se, as an important determinant of hyperactive children's attentional performance.
Understanding Drawings and Beliefs: a Further Test of the Metarepresentation Theory of Autism: a Research Note
Authors: Charman Tony , Baron‐Cohen Simon
Published: December 2006

Abstract Leslie (1987, Psychological Review, 94, 412–426) proposed that the “theory of mind” deficit in autism was the result of a metarepresentation impairment. Studies employing False Photograph or Belief tests have shown that in autism the deficit is restricted to representing mental representations, and does not extend to representing pictorial representations. In this study, we tested this claim further using a False Drawing test. Subjects with autism performed at the same level as mentally handicapped or normal 4‐year‐old subjects on the False Drawing test, but significantly worse on the False Belief test. This confirmed the specificity of the deficit in autism.
Out of Sight or Out of Mind? Another Look at Deception in Autism
Authors: Baron‐Cohen Simon
Published: December 2006

Abstract The penny‐hiding game is a deception game that occurs naturally in parent‐child and child‐child interaction. It involves minimal linguistic demands, and is lots of fun. Oswald and Ollendick (1989) employed it with subjects with autism and reported an impaired capacity for deception. They also found that this correlated with performance on both a false belief (“theory of mind”) test as well as various measures of social behaviour. The experiment reported here set out to replicate Oswald and Ollendick's important results, and then extend them by using a new technique for error analysis.

We succeeded in replicating the autism‐specific deception impairment as well as the finding that deception capacity correlates highly with performance on a false belief test. In addition, the new analytic technique discriminated the group with autism from controls more clearly than the traditional index of deception. Specifically, subjects with autism, whilst fully capable of enjoying the game as a game of object occlusion (keeping things out of sight), failed to perceive the game as a game of information occlusion (keeping things out of mind), unlike normal children or subjects with a mental handicap of an equivalent or lower mental age. The dissociation in autism between occluding objects vs occluding information is discussed in relation to other research showing that subjects with autism are impaired in understanding the principle that “seeing leads to knowing”.
Early Channels of Mother‐Infant Communication: Preterm and Term Infants
Authors: Barratt Marguerite Stevenson , Roach Mary A. , Leavitt Lewis A.
Published: December 2006

Abstract The impact of prematurity on the responsiveness of mothers and their 4‐nionih‐old infants was examined across three channels of communication: attentional, vocal and affective. Loglinear models were used to determine how the behavior of one partner was conditional upon the behavior of the other during home observations of '24 preterm and 24 term infants and their mothers. Visual attention was elicited by vocalization, and the onset of infant gaze was marled by a maternal smile. Mothers and infants responded to vocalizations with vocalizations, and mothers responded to smiles with smiles. Mothers of preterm infants were particularly responsive to their infants' signals within the: attentional. vocal and affective channels. Preterm infants demonstrated correspondingly heightened responsiveness within the vocal and affective channels.
Methylphenidate and Cognitive Perseveration in Hyperactive Children
Authors: Tannock Rosemary , Schachar Russell
Published: December 2006

Abstract Effects of methylphenidate on cognitive flexibility were investigated in 26 children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), by assessing perseverative errors an the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and the emergence of clinical symptoms indicative of cognitive perseveration, A double‐blind, placebo‐control, randomized crossover design was used in which each child was assessed twice in each drug condition (placebo, 0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg) Results indicated that methylphenidate increased perseverative errors on the first assessment but decreased them fin for second; clinical symptoms of perseveration occurred at both assessments. Findings suggest that MPH may reduce cognitive flexibility temporarily in some ADHD children.
Rising IQ Scores in British Children: Recent Evidence
Authors: Fuggle P. W. , Tokar S. , Grant D. B. , Smith I.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Between 1987 and 1990 IQ scores for 333 5‐year‐old white school children were obtained using the Wechsler Pre‐School and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) and the results were compared with 112 children assessed in 1997. The mean full scale IQ. score I 13.3 was 8 points higher than the mean of 105.1 in the 1967 study. These findings indicate that the rate of increase of IQ scores was comparable and probably higher than that reported in the U.S.A. for the period 1932–78 it is important that this large increase is taken into account for correct interpretation of IQ_ test results.
A Comparison of Twins and Singletons with Child Psychiatric Disorders: an Item Sheet Study
Authors: Simonoff Emily
Published: December 2006

Abstract An important assumption underlying the twin method of comparing NIZ and DZ twins is that results from twin samples can be generalized to the larger singleton population. This study uses Item Sheet data on child psychiatrc patients to compare twins and singletons on demographic, diagnostic and symptomatic variables. Although link' difference was found between the two groups, conduct disorders were significantly over‐represented in the twin population The‐ significance of this finding is discussed. This study lends overall support for the use of the twin method in child psychiatric samples.
Behavioural and Cognitive Characteristics of Conduct Disordered–Hyperactive Boys from Age 6 to 11: a Multiple Informant Perspective
Authors: Soussignan R. , Tremblay R. E. , Schaal B. , Laurent D. , Larivée S. , Gagnon C. , Leblanc M. , Charleboid P.
Published: December 2006

AbstractThree subgroups of kindergarten boys (Stable conduct disordered‐hyperaetive (SCDH), Stable conduct disordered (SGD). Stable non deviat control(SC)) were‐ defined and Followed up three, four and five years later in primary schools. Using assessments From multiple informants (teachers, mothers peers, self), the results showed that SCDH boys were more hyperactive (i.e. overactive inattentive) and displayed a greater diversity of conduct problems in school and home at follow‐up compared to other groups. These results, and the fact that during early adolescence SCDH boys tend to develop a worse prognosis than SCD boys suggest that they should be distinguished.
A Motor Presetting Dtudy in Hyperactive, Learning Disabled and Control Children
Authors: van der Meere Jaap , Vreeling Hendrik Jan , Sergeant Joseph
Published: December 2006

Abstract Motor presetting was investigated in hyperactive children, learning disabled children and normal controls. The reaction time of the hyperactive group was more sensitive to increases in interstimulus interval (even rate) than was that of the learning disabled and the controls. This finding indicates that hyperactive children have difficulty with motor presetting.
Unfamiliar Face Recognition in Relatively Able Autistic Children
Authors: Boucher Jill , Lewis Vicky
Published: December 2006

Abstract— Two experiments were carried out assessing autistic children's recognition, discrimination, and fixation of unfamiliar faces and unfamiliar buildings. The experiments showed that (i) unfamiliar face recognition is impaired relative to normal peers, non‐verbal ability matched and verbal ability matched controls. Relative to verbal ability matched controls (ii) recognition of buildings is normal; (iii) there is an enhanced discrepancy between face discrimination and buildings discrimination, in favour of buildings; and (iv) fixation is normal. Analysis of the results suggests that impaired face recognition does not result from impaired attention or discrimination