Two studies with three-year-old children tested the hypothesis that, whereas errors of phenomenism predominate when children are asked about objects' real and apparent properties, errors of intellectual realism predominate when children are asked about objects' real and apparent identities. Results provided some support for the property-identity…

Findings suggest that semantic knowledge for concrete objects is represented and organized in similar ways in autistic, retarded, and normal children. Previous findings on cognitive deficits in autistic children are more likely related to their inability to use cognitive representations in an appropriate and flexible manner. (Author/RH)

Examines young children's awareness that an actor's intention to transfer possession or control is a necessary precondition for correct use of the verb "give". Ninety-six four- through six-year-olds were presented with anecdotes in which the actor's behavior was held constant but his subjective goal was varied. (Author/RH)