Preliminary evaluation of a two-interval, two-alternative infant behavioral testing procedure

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of an observer-based, two-interval forced-choice infant psychophysical testing procedure. Ten of 11 infants (7-9 months of age) achieved a criterion of 80%-correct detection of a 50-dB sound pressure level noise band in a single testing session. Fewer trials were needed to reach criterion using the two-interval procedure than previously reported for the single-interval observer-based psychophysical procedure [Olsho, Koch, Halpin, and Carter (1987). Devel. Psychol. 23, 627-640]. These results provide preliminary evidence that the two-interval procedure is feasible and efficient while controlling for observer and listener response bias.

Effects of docosahexaenoic acid supplementation during pregnancy on fetal heart rate and variability: a randomized clinical trial

DHA (22:6n-3) supplementation during infancy has been associated with lower heart rate (HR) and improved neurobehavioral outcomes. We hypothesized that maternal DHA supplementation would improve fetal cardiac autonomic control and newborn neurobehavior. Pregnant women were randomized to 600 mg/day of DHA or placebo oil capsules at 14.4 (+/-4) weeks gestation. Fetal HR and HRV were calculated from magnetocardiograms (MCGs) at 24, 32 and 36 weeks gestational age (GA). Newborn neurobehavior was assessed using the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS). Post-partum maternal and infant red blood cell (RBC) DHA was significantly higher in the supplemented group as were metrics of fetal HRV and newborn neurobehavior in the autonomic and motor clusters. Higher HRV is associated with more responsive and flexible autonomic nervous system (ANS). Coupled with findings of improved autonomic and motor behavior, these data suggest that maternal DHA supplementation during pregnancy may impart an adaptive advantage to the fetus.

Extended child and caregiver benefits of behavior-based child contingency learning games

Findings from 2 studies of the relationship between response-contingent child behavior and child, caregiver-child, and caregiver behavior not directly associated with child contingency learning are described. The participants were 19 children with significant developmental delays and their mothers in 1 study and 22 children with significant developmental delays and their teachers in the second study. Caregivers engaged the children in learning games characterized by behavior-based contingencies for 15 weeks. Research staff observed the children and their caregivers in everyday routines and activities and rated child and caregiver behavior while the children and caregivers were not playing the games. Results from both studies showed that the degree of response-contingent responding during the games was related to child and caregiver behavior, not the focus of the contingency learning opportunities afforded the children. Implications for practice are described.

Use of microswitches and speech output systems with people with severe/profound intellectual or multiple disabilities: a literature review

Microswitches and speech output systems are two forms of technology which have been used with people with severe/profound intellectual or multiple disabilities to help them reduce their isolation and interact with the surrounding world (i.e., thus obtaining environmental stimulation independently or requesting it efficiently). This paper reviews the studies which used microswitches and speech output systems with the aforementioned people during the 1986-1999 period, and discusses the research findings and the practicality of these two forms of technology. Some relevant issues for future research are also pointed out.