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This is an initial study intended to establish objective tests of certain criteria for differentiating childhood schizophrenia from other behavior disorders, as well as to test certain hypotheses derived from a systematized theory of this illness. Six theoretical propositions are presented for evaluation, such as: that childhood schizophrenia is a primary disorder in regulation of maturation and
organization of behavior with consequent anxiety and secondary disturbances in perception of self and social orientation; that neurological development generally remains primitive; that certain defensive and restorative patterns are developed; and that the instability and poor integration of various behavioral areas is reflected in a quality of 'plasticity' of organization.
From thirty cases with confirmed diagnosis and an equal number of control cases, one hundred thirty-eight items were selected in relation to the requirements of the theory, in neurological, homeostatic, perceptual, affective, and intellectual functions. The high percentages of confirmation (sixty to eighty-eight percent) of specific predictions regarding various items appear to support the propositions involved in the theory. Likewise the value of the testing method is confirmed. Elaborations and refinements are proposed for further study.