Strengthening behavioral research on genetic mental retardation syndromes

In this article we examine the status of behavioral research on genetic men tal retardation syndromes. Although surveys suggest increased interest in s uch research, the field continues to struggle with three methodological iss ues: (a) how to think about control or contrast groups, (b) the interplay o f behavioral phenotypes with development and other factors relating to with in-group variation, and (c) the efficacy of etiology-based interventions. F or each issue, are discuss salient concerns and make suggestions for future work.