Background: Motor impairment in children with Asperger Syndrome (AS) or High functioning autism (HFA) has been reported previously. This study presents results of a quantitative assessment of neuromotor skills in 14-22 year old HFA/AS. Methods: 16 HFA/AS and 16 IQ-matched controls were assessed by the Zurich Neuromotor Assessment (ZNA). Results:…

This study observes the evolution of persons with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) and profound intellectual disabilities living in residences with a Program for Residents with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) characterised by a different educator's presence ratio and different logistic accommodations. This population is characterised by the…

The study of phenotypic variability in social impairments and comorbid emotional disorders in autism is important because it provides information on phenotypic differences that currently complicate diagnosis, research, and treatment of this disorder. Currently, though, relatively little is known about the processes that contribute to individual…

In planning interventions it is essential to understand how adverse risk factors in early childhood are associated with child mental health problems, whether some types of problems can be better explained by the specific risk factors, and whether early risk factors are differently related to different types of child behavior problems. A community…

Socially withdrawn preschoolers can be encouraged to interact with peers by appointing them as classroom managers. Such an approach can be used within the existing classroom structure and requires no major changes in teacher or student practices. (CL)

Two cases demonstrate the effectiveness of using anxiety reduction/shaping techniques to help anxious, shy, or withdrawn students develop relationships with their teachers. One case highlights the difficulties sometimes encountered by teachers trying to change their behavior. (CL)

In doubling, the double served both as an auxiliary ego for the patient and as a model from which the withdrawn patient learned effective group participation skills. Results of the study demonstrated significant increases in participation for subjects in both experimental groups using doubling. (Author)

Objectives: To determine whether oral language, working memory, and social anxiety differentiate children with selective mutism (SM), children with anxiety disorders (ANX), and normal controls (NCs) and explore predictors of mutism severity. Method: Children ages 6 to 10 years with SM (n = 44) were compared with children with ANX (n = 28) and NCs…

In this investigation, 3 adults who met criteria for marijuana dependence were treated using an abbreviated version of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). The treatment was delivered in eight weekly 90-min individual sessions. The effects of the intervention were assessed using a nonconcurrent multiple baseline across participants design.…

Three studies compared the amount of social avoidance behavior by mentally retarded autistic children (N=10 and ages 4-13 years) during either appropriate child-preferred activities or adult determined activities. Results revealed a negative correlation between child-preferred behaviors and social avoidance behaviors. (Author/DB)

The article presents a four-step intervention model to both improve the social skills of socially isolated (often handicapped) children as well as improve peer attitudes. Use of the model with 6 autistic-like preschool children and 10 normal peers resulted in autistic Ss achieving positive interacton within the normal range. (DB)

The total number of nonhandicapped/handicapped social interactions as well as the number of social initiations by the severely emotionally disabled withdrawn target subject were greater when the subject was paired with a socially outgoing nonhandicapped peer. (Author/CL)

The role of speech in child development is examined, reasons for lack of speech in school are suggested (including anxiety, shock, overprotection, abuse, or anger), and four recommendations for teacher action are offered (including having empathy and encouraging other means of communication). (CL)

Twenty-four socially withdrawn preschool children, identified through classroom observations, were assigned to one of three conditions: (1) socialization with a younger child during 10 play sessions, (2) socialization with an age mate during a similar series of sessions, and (3) no treatment. (JMB)

Social withdrawal is one symptom displayed by students categorized as "internalizers," who may also experience anxiety and depression. These are the quiet, invisible students. Internalizing disorders can negatively affect a student's academic performance, physical health, future psychological adjustment, and employment opportunities. Supportive…