DSM-5 introduced two diagnoses describing neurodevelopmental deficits in social communication (SC); Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder (SPCD). These diagnoses are differentiated by Repetitive and Restricted Behaviors (RRB), required for an ASD diagnosis and absent in SPCD. We highlight the gaps between the…

The diagnostic significance of central placement of the first Bender-Gestalt design was examined by comparing protocols of clinic-referred and nonreferred children matched for age and IQ. As predicted, central placement occurred with greater frequency in the clinic group, but its clinical utility is unclear. (Author/RD)

This paper presents the clinical/developmental framework underlying a new diagnostic observational tool, the Disruptive Behavior Diagnostic Observation Schedule (DB-DOS). The special importance of observation for clinical assessment during the preschool period is delineated. The developmental rationale for a multidimensional assessment of…

Subjects with higher verbal than performance IQ's achieved significantly poorer Pascal-Suttell Bender-Gestalt scores than subjects with higher performance over verbal IQ's. The latter subjects were more likely to have dropped out of high school and to have spent some time in prison. (Author/RD)