Behavior of Down syndrome infants in a strange situation.

The responses of 18 Down syndrome infants in a modified "strange" situation were recorded. The results indicated that these infants were aware of the exits and entrances of both mother and stranger. They cried and showed non-crying distress significantly more when their mothers were absent and showed awareness of the focal point of the room by looking at the door more in appropriate experimental episodes. They also showed increased looking at mother and physical contact on reunion with her. Concluded that the behavior Down syndrome infants is qualitatively similar to nonretarded children and that they indicate their levels of social awareness in these experimental situations.