The basic research aim of this program of studies is to understand the social, cognitive and emotional processes that give rise to children's prelinguistic communication abilities, especially joint attention skills. The applied research aim of the program is to understand the nature of developmental disturbance of joint attention in autism. We are also engaged in testing hypothesis that that infant joint attention measures may be singularly sensitive predictors of language, cognitive, and social-emotional outcomes among children in the preschool period. The aim of this program is to study risk and protective factors for cognitive, behavioral, social, and educational outcomes in childhood and adolescence. Studies are based on the analysis of large electronically linked population databases, including birth records, school records, and nutritional records.
Opportunities are available for strong training in quantitative methods and computer technology.
This group investigates the areas in which children prenatally exposed to cocaine have deficits and attempts to ameliorate these problems with a total service intervention model. At the Maternal Lifestyle Study, deficits in the cognitive and social development of children prenatally exposed to cocaine are identified through comparisons with non-exposed children. An overlapping sample of exposed children then receive a set of comprehensive interventions through the Linda Ray Intervention Center. This project addresses a major educational problem, early identification of children with mild learning problems. The group is currently evaluating new screening tests to identify young children who will later fail in school.