Pediatricians' perceptions of their behavioral and developmental training

Eighty graduates of a pediatric residency that required training in behavior and development completed a survey of their perceptions regarding the quality of this training, the utility of behavior and development for modern pediatric practice, their competence in applying behavior and development knowledge, and their desire to pursue additional training in behavior and development. Surveys were completed 1 to 5 years (mean = 3.4 years) after graduation from the residency program. Graduates consistently rated child development and anticipatory guidance/counseling as the areas that were best taught, most useful, and in which they felt the most competent. The highest ratings of behavioral/developmental pediatrics (BDP) competence and usefulness were from graduates who received additional BDP training after residency. However, a large percentage of graduates did not endorse the usefulness of several dimensions of behavior and development that have been considered integral components of training. Implications and limitations of the present study are discussed.     

Temperament characteristics of mentally retarded children

In a comparative study of temperament and intelligence in groups of mentally retarded and normal children, it was found that mentally retarded children who also had excess of psychopathology in them, showed greater signs of ‘difficult’ child temperament. Relationship between intelligence and emotionality variable of temperament was linear and positive in the mentally retarded children. This study generates the hypothesis that negative mood may be temperamental correlated with mental retardation.     

Legal implications of sterilization of the mentally retarded

For more than 50 years, sterilization of mentally retarded persons was an accepted practice in many states as a way to reduce the number of persons born with mental defects. In recent years, the practice has come under heavy challenge, both medically and legally. At present, only 19 states have statutes that allow sterilizations for eugenic reasons. This article examines important court decisions regarding eugenic sterilization laws and the legal status of sterilization of mentally retarded adults and minors, as well as the consequent legal implications for physicians. Federal funding restrictions on sterilization of mentally impaired persons are discussed. The requirement of voluntary, informed consent is considered in light of an increasing emphasis on the rights of mentally retarded persons as well as greater awareness of the psychological effects of involuntary sterilization.     

Elevated TSH levels in a mentally retarded boy

The Allan–Herndon–Dudley syndrome (AHDS; MIM 300523) of X-linked mental retardation and hypotonia is caused by mutations in a thyroid hormone transporter gene—the monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8 also known as SLC16A2) gene. A 23-month-old boy with severe developmental delay, hypotonia, recurrent emesis, and irritability is described. He was diagnosed with hypothyroidism at the age of 4 months. However, T3 level was elevated. Molecular analysis of the MCT8 gene detected a single base duplication in exon 5 c.1614dupC (p.Ile539fs), consistent with a diagnosis of AHDS. While T3 is the best marker for this disorder, elevations in TSH should alert to the diagnosis.