Strengthening behavioral research on genetic mental retardation syndromes.

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