The production of tangential language during conversations was studied with people with fragile X syndrome (n=10), autism (n=10), and mental retardation not caused by fragile X (n=10). Tangential language was found to be more prevalent among those with fragile X compared to the control groups, especially within unsolicited comments. (Contains…

This article provides a review of the literature regarding changing communication profiles of individuals with autism as they reach adolescence and young adulthood. The impact of these language patterns on social and vocational functioning is addressed. Guidelines for assessment, goal development, and intervention are presented through a…

Examined infants' tendency, from a few days to nine months of age, to prefer infant-directed over adult-directed speech. Results suggest that exaggerated pitch contours that characterize infant-directed speech may become salient communicative signals for infants through language-rich, interactive experiences with caretakers and increased…

Indicates that (1) children's violations decreased with age; (2) in the dyadic context, fathers assumed a more directive role in response to children's violations than did mothers; (3) there were no between-parent differences between parents regarding reactions to children's violations in the triadic context. (NKA)

Presents an account of observations, descriptions, and interpretations of children's representations. Offers examples of ways teachers and parents can help children expand their language, actions, and images to symbolize their experiences. (BB)

Twenty-seven teachers rated 196 retarded workers with respect to the frequency of maladaptive behavior and the 28 items of a language behavior rating scale with respect to the probability that a given behavior would result in termination of employment. (Author/SBH)