This special issue of Infants & Young Children provides a comprehensive analysis of the identification and treatment issues for preschool-age children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. This is certainly one of the most critical yet controversial areas in the field of early intervention, involving ethical, scientific, and clinical issues. One challenge is that we are dealing with a complex developmental disorder that reveals its many different facets over time and in interaction with the environment, yet has no reliable biological marker. Moreover, the potential use of stimulant medication for such young children creates an unusual level of concern.

Dr Mark Wolraich, the special issue editor, is a world-renowned scientist and clinician in this field. He has brought together a distinguished group of contributors to provide readers of Infants amp; Young Children with information on the current status of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder for preschool-age children. Dr Wolraich outlines the plan for the special issue in his introductory article. As will be seen, topics covered range from appropriate diagnostic criteria, behavioral intervention, parent perceptions and, of course, the safety and efficacy of stimulant medications for these young children. Guidelines for practitioners are emphasized throughout. Our field owes Dr Wolraich and the contributors to this special issue a special debt of gratitude for making all of this vital information available in a single source.

Michael J. Guralnick, PhD

Editor, Infants & Young Children