A comparison of play interactions between non-disabled and disabled children and their mothers: A question of style

Comparisons of mother-child interaction styles exhibited during free-play sessions in the home were made between 6 mother-multiply disabled child dyads and 6 mother-normal child dyads. The children were matched on sex and functional level and the mothers were matched on educational level and husband's occupational status. Results indicated that mothers of disabled children exerted more direct influence during play interactions than their counterparts. Normal children were involved in more self-initiated communication than disabled children. Findings are discussed as to why mothers interacted differently with their disabled child and the practical implications of these findings.