Early assessment and prevention of sociocultural deprivation in infancy

The Bayley Infant Scales are used to diagnose early socio-cultural deprivation. It seems to be possible to observe early syndromes of pure environmental stress, as against syndromes of neurological damage, as well as syndromes of mixed traumatisation. There are also types of inadequate mothers in the low and lowest socio-cultural milieu who produce typical behavioral deficiencies in organically healthy infants. On the basis of a Scalogram Analysis of the Bayley Scales a structured stimulation technique has been designed which can be easily taught to and administered by professionals, semiprofessionals, volunteers and the parents themselves. Some case histories are presented to demonstrate the efficiency of the diagnostic and intervention procedures.