"Manual asymmetries" refers to differences in performance capabilities of the two hands. Humans may be the only species that show a consistent preference for the right hand.

The performance of most tasks with one hand, typically the right, is a uniquely human characteristic. Not only do people prefer to use one hand rather than the other, but also they usually perform tasks faster and more accurately with this hand. The study of manual asymmetries and what such performance differences between the two hands reveal about brain organization and motor function has been a topic of considerable research over the last several decades. The aim of this Research Topic is to review and further explore the origins of manual asymmetries and their relationship to handedness, unimanual and bimanual motor performance, and brain function. The articles included here involve original research conducted in humans or non-human models species, as well as theoretical perspectives, review articles, and meta-analyses.

Part 2: Motor Development, Learning, and Adaptive Change.

The chapters in this volume are drawn from the presentations delivered at a symposium on Developmental Disabilities in the Preschool Child. This sym posium was held under the auspices of The Institute for Pediatric Service of Johnson and Johnson Baby Products. It was co-sponsored by The College of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Rutgers Medical School, and The In stitute for the Study of Exceptional Children, Educational Testing Service. The symposium was held in the Fall of 1979 in Chicago, Illinois and the participants, including Ph. D . 's, Ed. D . 's, and M. D . 's, represented the interdisciplinary approach which characterized the meetings. The interdisciplinary set of speakers was matched by an equally diverse audience who represented almost every profes sional group concerned with the needs of disabled children and their families. Because of the successful information exchange that took place, a published volume of the proceedings was determined to be useful for others who were not able to attend. To all those who toil to help developmentally disabled children and their families we dedicate this volume. Michael Lewis Lawrence T. Taft vii CONTENTS Introduction xiii Part I-Sensory Development 1 / Handicapped Child - Facts of Life 3 Me"itt B. Low 2 / Theoretical Issues in the Early Development of Visual Perception 9 Joseph F. Fagan III and Patricia Ann Shepherd 3 / Clinical Appraisal of Vision 35 Richard N.

Functional cerebral specialization is a phenomenon of considerable relevance not only to those investigating normal brain function, but also to scientists who study and treat clinical populations. This special issue of "Laterality" brings together contributions from researchers studying human populations and those using animal models, and includes a discussion of the important issues in the field of lateralization of function. The papers address the origins of laterality and the nature of lateralized functions in various species, as well as relations among the different forms of lateralization. Included are such topics as lateralized memory processes, early experiential effects on laterality, the genetic basis of handedness, perceptual processing in the haptic or visual domain, and learning. Comparisons between human and non-human primate findings and the implications of these findings for our understanding of the phylogenetic basis of hemispheric specialization are also emphasized.; The papers are based on presentations at two symposia that took place in August 1996: "Issues in Laterality", held at the International Congress of Psychology in Montreal; and "Laterality and Hemispheric Specialization in Primates: Brain Behavior and Evolution", held at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, at the joint meetings of the "XVI Congress of the International Primatological Society" and the "XIX Conference of the American Society of Primatologists".

This comprehensive resource and clinical guide for students and practicing pediatric therapists features current information on the neurological foundations of hand skills, the development of hand skills, and intervention with children who have problems related to hand skills. Covers foundation and development of hand skills, therapeutic intervention, and special problems and approaches. Is readable, concise, and well-organized with a consistent format throughout. Integrates recent research findings and current thinking throughout the text. Emphasizes neuroscience and the hand's sensory function and haptic perception. Applies neuroscience and development frames of reference throughout. Implications for practice included in each chapter. Presents concepts in the foundation/development chapters that are linked with the intervention chapters. Seven new chapters reflect current practice in the field and cover cognition & motor skills, handedness, fine-motor program for preschoolers, handwriting evaluation, splinting the upper extremity of the child, pediatric hand therapy, and efficacy of interventions. Extensively revised content throughout includes new research and theories, new techniques, current trends, and new information sources. 9 new contributors offer authoritative guidance in the field. Over 200 new illustrations demonstrate important concepts with new clinical photographs and line drawings. Over 50 new tables and boxes highlight important information. An updated and expanded glossary defines key terms.

Motor Behavior and Human Skill details the most recent research in motor control and human skill. The book provides a forum for the analysis of the many diverse theoretical approaches used in the understanding of motor control, including the cognitive, dynamical systems, computational, and neurological approaches.