A project which attempted to answer the question whether pregnant women from the inner city would attend prenatal classes is discussed. Specific purposes of the project were: (1) to find a way to obtain and retain attendance at prenatal classes of expectant mothers who live in low socioeconomic urban areas, (2) to identify factors affecting their…

The 14 chapters of this book review the research and offer guidelines for intervention with infants and children having fetal alcohol syndrome or fetal alcohol effects (FAS/FAE). Chapters are grouped into five sections on the diseases of fetal alcohol, the science of FAS, a life-span approach to FAS, preparing people with FAS for life in the…

Children born to heroin-dependent mothers (n=83) were compared to 76 children born to heroin-dependent fathers and to 3 control groups with and without environmental deprivation and health problems. Results found that developmental delays and behavioral disorders found among heroin-exposed children resulted primarily from severe environmental…

In this paper, we respond to the criticisms and concerns raised by D.V. Cicchetti, A.S. Kaufman, & S.S. Sparrow (this issue) in their review of the PCB literature, with particular attention to our own research in Michigan. We agree that multiple comparisons and functional significance are issues that would benefit from more discussion.…

In this report of a hearing on infants' and children's health, two factsheets present information on the lack of recent progress in reducing infant mortality rates; the accessibility of prenatal care; low birthweight; nutrition; inadequate child health care; health risks for low-income children; the lack of adequate health insurance; the health…

This report, which is based on the work of the Perinatal Substance Exposure Think Tanks, establishes priorities for statewide services in California to young children who are prenatally exposed to alcohol and drugs. Although the report focuses on the developmental needs of children, it also examines efforts to provide prevention and treatment…

This examination of interventions for infants born affected by drugs and alcohol defines the issue, identifies alternative solutions, and notes barriers to provision of appropriate services. These infants, especially those with fetal alcohol syndrome, are seen at high risk for health-related behavioral and developmental problems. A list of 14…

This teacher's guide is designed for use by postsecondary child development instructors in programs that prepare students to be child caregivers or directors. Materials are developed for use in courses that have both a lecture and a laboratory. The instructor's guide is organized in six units covering the following topics: perspectives on child…

Efforts to prevent mental retardation have been encumbered by lack of scientific and technical knowledge, vague understanding of incidence and prevalence, and scarcity of resources to implement effective public policies. Scientific and social progress toward prevention has pursued a wavelike, erratic course, driven primarily by prevailing social,…

The scores of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) have been declining since 1963. While this decline has occurred, scores on achievement tests administered to students in grades 3 to 11 have been stable. An alalysis of the medical and epidemiological literature was conducted to determine whether there could be a health factor that might have caused…

This booklet contains nine sections describing ways in which noise may endanger health and well-being. Secions are included on: (1) hearing loss; (2) heart disease; (3) other reactions by the body; (4) effects on the unborn; (5) special effects on children; (6) intrusion at home and work; (7) sleep disruption; (8) mental and social well-being; and…

This booklet contains nine sections describing ways in which noise may endanger health and well-being. Sections are included on: (1) hearing loss; (2) heart disease; (3) other reactions by the body; (4) effects on the unborn; (5) special effects on children; (6) intrusion at home and work; (7) mental and social well-being; and (8) danger to life…

This paper describes the development of a program which uses paraprofessional home visitors, known as Child Development Trainers, as disseminators of information necessary for the growth and development of the fetus and young infant. These Trainers serve a low income population. Weekly home visits were designed to aid the expectant mother to…

The study reported in this book provides descriptive material about a national sample of illegitimate children born in Great Britain in 1958. It compares their development with legitimate children who were born in the same week as they were, and it relates their development, at the age of seven years, to a range of factors linked with their birth…

This resource guide provides information on programs, publications, organizations, and other resources related to prevention of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). The purpose of this guide is to assist health care providers to comply with Indian Health Service (IHS) FAS goals and objectives. It gives examples of community approaches to FAS prevention,…