Abstract:Humans have engaged in unique cooperative breeding insofar as multiple in-group members help mothers. Two psychological-proximate factors maintain such a breeding system-various individuals' interest in infants and mothers' positive reactions toward individuals approaching their infants-which we investigated in the present study. In Study 1, we conducted field observations to examine the first factor: what types of passersby in Japan reacted to the mother and infant. This replicated studies conducted in Western countries more than 30 years ago, allowing for the examination of the influence of culture and time. The results confirmed the differences among age groups in frequency of looking at mother and infant, and predicted its universality, especially the rise in older adults. The sex difference was not significant. In Study 2, we gathered data via questionnaires and interviews using hypothetical scenarios to investigate the second factor: how mothers felt when their infants were approached by strangers. The results revealed that mothers received strangers' approaches positively. The present study showed that humans engaged in unique cooperative breeding in the Environment of Evolutionary Adaptedness (EEA), where mothers in modern society see strangers as potential helpers as part of the EEA.

Background: Response inhibition and attentional flexibility are impaired in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

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In the present study, a coordinator at a school for children with special needs intervened in the local community by providing consultation about producing a support system for children who were in transition to the school. This practice created necessary conditions for the children's successful transfer, taking optimization of existing resources into consideration by arranging tools, holding meetings for supporting the transition, facilitating shared understanding of plans for educational support, and providing training to develop the skills of relevant people. People in contact with the children shared the view that the children's behavior changed over time. The coordinator at the special school had discussions with key persons about setting specifıc goals, and bonded with local organizations and relevant people. This practice influenced the local arrangement of support systems for the children's transition to the school. Future studies should specify knowledge and skills that coordinators need in order to be involved locally.