We are most pleased to present Volume 3 of Developmental-Behavioral Disorders: Selected Topics, designed to serve as a companion for standard reference textbooks that address cogent issues in developmental pedi- atrics. Periodic publications such as Selected Topics and theme-related articles, as well as continuing education programs, attempt to supple- ment in a timely fashion the rapidly changing knowledge base in devel- opmental-behavioral pediatrics. These media are important as forums for enhancing the quality of clinical practice, teaching skills, and re- search activities. The need is...

"Child development" has always been a traditional component of well child care and a particular area of interest for pediatricians, child neu rologists, and psychologists. However, it was not until the early 1960s that children with developmental disabilities (i. e., chronic handicapping disorders) became a major focus of public and professional attention. During this period, children with "special needs" were dramatically catapulted into the limelight and "exceptional" became the buzzword of the day. Public and professional awareness of these issues reached new peaks and recognition of the...