RISKY BEGINNINGS - LOW MATERNAL INTELLIGENCE AS A RISK FACTOR FOR CHILDRENS INTELLECTUAL-DEVELOPMENT

Cumulating evidence exists that children of mothers with cognitive def icits are at risk for developmental delay, psychosocial mental retarda tion, and behavior disorders. The authors review the literature on the effects of genetic and environmental contributions to children's inte llectual functioning and on the effects of preventive intervention des igned to improve intellectual outcomes for high-risk children. Case st udies from a longitudinal study of socioeconomically disadvantaged fam ilies are used to illustrate how low cognitive functioning affects mat ernal caregiving and how carefully planned interventions can enhance a mother's ability to provide a supportive learning environment for her young child.