Transformational deficits in cognition of schizophrenic children.

This study examined schizophrenic children for cognitive deficits in logical thinking, symbolic imagery, and conservation. Evaluation revealed persistent failure of the aberrant subjects to achieve at the level of age expectancy. Comparison with nonpsychotic, institutionalized children demonstrated no effect due to institutionalization. By mid-teens not one of the subjects had accomplished formal operations and very few were able to master concrete operations. Implications for development and treatment were discussed.