Although it once seemed simple to say that a single event such as birth trauma or asphyxia caused brain disorders like cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and epilepsy, a recent study showed that it is nearly impossible to pinpoint a single cause and its effects. Recommendations for further research are made. (BB)

Discusses socioeconomic factors that lead to disproportionate rates of low birthweight and high infant mortality in the Black population. Calls for national policy efforts that would remove financial barriers to premedical care and provide adequate income support for all. (GC)

Presents documentation of behavioral contributions to fetal and infant damage, disease, and death. Suggestions are made for interventive strategies for social workers to use at the policy, program, and case levels to help improve the outcome of pregnancy. A review of the literature is also included. (Author/JAC)

Describes recent progress in research on prenatal behavioral development and in a systematic fashion the various ways in which prenatal experience can affect the development of behavior in the neonate as well as in the embryo and fetus. (Author/RK)

Briefly reviews the relevant literature on human prenatal effects, describes some of the possible designs for such studies; and discusses some of the methodological problem areas: sample choice, measurement of prenatal variables, monitoring of labor and delivery, and neonatal assessment. (CS)

Reports the principal conclusions of the National Academy of Sciences' Committee on the Effects of Herbicides in Vietnam.

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)