Comparison of Temperament Ratings in Children with Autism, Children with Mental Retardation, and Typical Children

The effect of "temperament" in a school-like environment was evaluated for 30 children with mental retardation, 30 children with autism, and 30 typical children (all groups with a mean mental age of 23 to 24 months). Five-minute videotapes of each child attempting to complete a puzzle were viewed and scored by raters on the University of California (Los Angeles) Temperament Form. This instrument results in independent scores on the dimensions of activity, adaptability, approach/withdrawal, attention, distractibility, intensity, mood, and sensitivity. These dimensions are loaded into throe factors: task orientation, personal social flexibility, and reactivity. Findings indicated that the children with autism differed significantly on dimensions of temperament in a negative direction from children with mental retardation or normally developing children. (DB) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** U.S. DEPANTSIMET OF EDUCATION ONce et Educational Deeserch end linoroveinent EDUCATIONAL REDOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) OF(Ms document Ms been ntoioducad so received Dan the demon oq ordeNzebon Ororntino 0 Minor changes have been rnede to improve reroduNion quality. Ponta of viewor opmmons staled In th4 doeumeat do not neceseenty represent othcI OENI pewter or policy. Comparison of Temperament Ratings in Children with Autism, Children with Mental Retardation, and Typical Children Cindy Ratekin, Ph.D. California State University, Chico BEST 2 "PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS,BEEN GRANTED BY TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC)."