Enhancement of Mothers’ Interactional Skills in an Infant Education Program 1,2

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of training on the skills mothers displayed in interacting with their handicapped infants or toddlers. Mothers who were enrolled in an infant education program were videotaped, and their skills were evaluated at three points prior to the initiation of training. Mothers’ skills were also assessed using the Teaching Skills Inventory after the onset of training and after the conclusion of training. Training focused on teaching mothers strategies to enhance the quality of interactions with their infants. Results indicated that mothers made substantial gains during the course of intervention. Significant increases in child interest and involvement in the interactions subsequent to changes in mothers’ skills were also observed. These results are interpreted to indicate that training which focuses on interaction strategies can enhance mothers’ abilities to interact with their young handicapped children. Implications of these findings regarding the use of the assessment tool, the Teaching Skills Inventory (TSI), and the described teaching strategy in intervention programs are discussed.