Psychology and More

While I was researching published literature for the previous post on restricted environmental stimulation, I came across an article published in 1966. It shows how our terminology has changed in referring to developmental disorders…

(emphasis mine)

Title: Sensory deprivation and aberrant behavior among idiots.
Year of Publication: 1966
Author: Cleland, Charles C; Clark, Charles M.
Source: American Journal of Mental Deficiency. 71(2) 1966, 213-225.
Abstract
Through a review of sensory processes at both the human and infrahuman level, sensory deprivation is related to the study of idiocy. A microtheory is presented as a guide to future research and a method for training, grouping, and management is advanced based upon a “sensory-mapping” schema in conjunction with a sensory cafeteria. Based on this evidence, it appears the idiot represents the occurrence in nature of an S deprived of meaningful social, cultural, or sensory input. The systematic study of idiocy should yield information relevant to developing a taxonomy of goals for retardates. (2 p. ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2007 APA, all rights reserved)

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