This paper examines methodological challenges inherent in conducting research on families of children with autism and in comparing these families with others who are coping with different types of disabilities or who have nondisabled children. Although most comparative research has contrasted families whose child has autism with those whose child…

Describes an automated microcomputer system that can present precise stimuli and record accurate responses and discusses its use in studying and training retarded and psychotic children. It is noted that training procedures that require the children to utilize visual, auditory, and bimodal stimuli can be automated with the system. (MBR)