Assessing early spoken language interaction between a hearing mother and an infant with profound hearing loss

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents a method used for the analysis of interactions between infants with profound hearing loss and their hearing mothers when the mode of communication is spoken language. To illustrate the method, one interaction of 10 minutes duration was used which involved a mother and her 26-month old child. Aspects of the interaction that were coded include child vocalizations, child and mother pragmatic behaviours, attention-getting strategies, visual attention and maternal contingent responsiveness. This approach integrates several analysis techniques and produces data that highlight the contingent responsiveness of the dyad. Results of the analysis provide detailed information that can be used to inform and guide parents and to plan ahead for intervention with the child.