Mothers play an integral role in the early years of their child’s development.
What was this study about?
This 2007 international study addresses the question of whether a trained educator who is deaf is more successful at engaging a deaf toddler’s attention than the child’s hearing mother.
After close examination of standardized play sessions, one with the mother in her home and the other with the educator at a care centre, the authors of this study concluded hearing mothers more effectively engaged with deaf children.
What were the key findings?
- Exposure to deaf adults is essential to the education of deaf children, especially those with hearing parents.
- Whilst mothers more effectively engaged with children, greater analysis of the varying interaction methods used by educators and mothers is needed for statistical significance.
- Intervention programs for hearing families of deaf children should include modules for hearing parents, but also for deaf adults intending to work with deaf children.
Where can I read more?
Printable PDF: Deafness and Attention in Deaf Children.
