Further observations on the effect of reverse isolation from birth on cognitive and affective development

Because he was considered at risk for combined immune deficiency disease an otherwise healthy boy was delivered by Caesarean section and placed at once in a germ-free environment. He has been maintained in reverse isolation since. The present report reviews aspects of his developmental progress during his first 52 months. Despite the highly atypical character of his living situation, he shows, at this time, no evidence of deviant emotional or intellectual development.