Birth order and maternal ages at time of birth were compared for 113 autistic children (3 to 12 years old) and the Iowa general population. An excess of mothers aged 35 or older was observed in the autistic group. A deviation from average in birth order was observed in autistics. (Author/SEW)

The matrix of pre- and perinatal biological and sociocultural correlates are reviewed in relation to infants who are subsequently identified as gifted. (Author/CL)

Educators have begun to recognize that the public school system is an ideal setting in which to introduce the topic of birth defects prevention. A highly structured two week curriculum was developed using March of Dimes materials to teach inner-city school children about birth defects prevention. (JN)

Alienated adolescent girls tend to be sexually active, tend not to use contraception effectively, and tend not to terminate pregnancy. Although they welcome a baby as a solution to lifelong problems, their poverty and drug abuse, inadequate nutrition, and lack of prenatal care put offspring at high risk. (Author/NRB)

The first complex etiological study of mental retardation in Budapest was carried out with 1,364 children ages 7 to 14 years. Results are compared with findings from previous surveys in the United States and the United Kingdom. (Author)

Among the ethical problems in screening for severe spina bifida in a fetus are deciding who should be screened; whether the procedure, which has medical risks, is justified; and how to deal with the only known solution--abortion. Journal availability: see EC 114 865. (PHR)

Related blood levels of testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin in pregnant women to gender role behavior among 342 male and 337 female offspring at 3.5 years. Found that testosterone levels related linearly to girls' gender role behavior. Neither hormone related to boys' gender role behavior. Other factors, including older brothers or…

Discusses the epidemic of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) affecting Native American communities, the lifetime costs associated with an FAS birth, behavioral aberrations of FAS children that affect classroom performance, and federal and state legislation and funding aimed at FAS prevention through treatment of pregnant alcoholics. (SV)