Differences in visual perception and in visual-motor functioning between psychotic and nonpsychotic children

The study explored the applicable scope of Bender's theory of a "maturational lag" in functional childhood psychosis. Tests of visual perception, visual-motor performance, and a clinical evaluation of presence of CNS deviations consistent with Bender's criteria for childhood schizophrenia were performed on 39 psychotic and 57 nonpsychotic 8-12-year-old boys. Results revealed no differences in accuracy or variability of perceptual and visual-motor behavior when appropriate controls for large group differences in MA functioning were instituted. No difference in test performance was found between psychotic Ss with and without CNS deviations. With MA level constant, the difference in incidence of CNS deviations between psychotics and nonpsychotics was nonsignificant. The results were interpreted as not supporting Bender's organic theory. (19 ref.)