Extreme deprivation in early childhood--I. Diverse outcomes for three siblings from an extraordinary family.

An unusual family is described which has been studied for several years. Accounts are given of the later development of two sisters who had suffered severe social and emotional deprivation in infancy. One girl appears to have completely recovered. The other remains handicapped, mainly in language skills, and shows a variety of autistic features. She is also microcephalic as is their mother. The development of a half brother who was raised elsewhere is recounted. He is an albino, severely mentally retarded and autistic. The later discrepancies in development of these children are discussed, with reference to former case studies of extreme deprivation in early childhood.