Reports the results of cognitive test performance and early childhood activities in individuals with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, an autosomal recessive disorder associated with elevated prenatal adrenal androgen levels, demonstrating the effects of early exposure to excess androgenizing hormones on sexually dimorphic cognitive functioning.…

Children born to mothers who used illicit drugs during pregnancy were assessed for subsequent abuse or neglect. Of the 513 children exposed inutero to drugs, 102 were substantiated as abused or neglected. Infants exposed inutero to drugs had a higher than expected risk of subsequent abuse compared to children in the general population. (Author/SW)

Twenty-seven American Indian children (ages 4-12), 10 with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and 17 normally developing control subjects, were administered the Test of Language Development. FAS children exhibited depressed performance on most subtests. The older FAS children presented syntactic deficits whereas the younger FAS subjects presented more…

Presents a diminutive overview of research and a case study of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS), a rare, genetically complex congenital disorder. Prenatal diagnosis of this case included omphalocele, hydonephrosis, and possible horseshoe kidney, detected by ultrasound. The characteristics of this disability and related problems are discussed.…

The behavior of the infant with prenatal drug exposure (PDE) is different from a nonexposed infant, and it is a difference that changes the rules of interaction for the caregiver. Infants exposed to opiates such as heroin or methadone demonstrate very specific signs of neurobehavioral dysfunction as they go through classic withdrawal symptoms.…

This digest briefly summarizes available information on the educational needs of prenatally substance exposed infants and children. Estimated incidence figures are given for the numbers of children exposed in utero to illicit drugs and alcohol. The importance of parent/caregiver education in specific techniques to increase infant alertness and…

This paper presents information on several complex aspects of the prenatal drug exposure problem faced by educators and other professionals. The paper examines the incidence of substance-abusing pregnant women and outlines the dimensions of family problems presented by these women in terms of family history, service needs, medical concerns, and…

This document (which has the form of a magazine) provides a variety of articles, stories, editorials, letters, interviews, and other types of magazine features (such as book reviews) which focus on human genetics. In addition to providing information about the principles of genetics, nearly all of the sections in the "magazine" address moral,…

Because of the importance of nutrition during teenage pregnancies, the Illinois State Council on Nutrition held public hearings in Chicago and in Carbondale, areas having a high incidence of infant mortality. Several issues were identified: (1) effects on nutrition of low income, poor nutrition habits, and lack of understanding of the increased…

To investigate causes of blindness in childhood, 776 children (infancy to 20 years old) in special schools were seen in 1963. Examinations, parent questionnaires, and correspondence with health personnel were used to obtain etiological data. Causes of blindness mainly of genetic determination described are choroido-retinal degenerations,…

Designed as a complement to Volume 1 on the normal infant (available as EC 003 414), the text examines the following areas: neurological examination of the newborn, neurobehavioral organization of the newborn, neuropsychology examinations in young children, learning of motor skills on the basis of self-induced movements, factors in vulnerability…

A study of 211 children and adults with autism (n=81), other pervasive development disorders (PDD) (n=24), and conditions other than PDD (n=106) found the prevalence of medical conditions with suspected etiologic relationships with autism varies between 10 and 15%, depending on the diagnostic system employed. (Author/CR)

This guide was developed to provide effective and practical strategies to meet the needs of prenatally substance-exposed children in preschool or day care settings. Techniques are based on good child development practices and are equally effective for both teachers and parents. The first chapter outlines information about prenatal substance…

Presented is a report on the California Governor's Conference of December, 1973, called to assess knowledge of preventive techniques in the field of developmental disabilities and to develop a more extensive design for future action. Keynote addresses by F. Lanterman and E. Brian are quoted. Summaries of the following talks are included:…

A project developed to increase public and professional awareness of fragile X syndrome in New Jersey resulted in increased efforts at diagnostic screening, provision of client and family support services, and prevention. The program proved to be a cost-effective method for increasing community awareness of a genetic disease on a statewide level.…