The development of communication in blind and in deaf infants--similarities and differences

Results from two longitudinal studies of blind infant--sighted mother and of deaf infant-hearing mother/deaf mother interaction, are summarized in this paper. The aim is to shed light on the role of visual and auditory stimulation in the development of communication. Video-recorded interactions taken during infancy were transcribed in a systematic, objective and detailed way. The development of communication is described with a focus on pre-verbal abilities, exploration of toys, social and symbolic play, communicative intent and sharing of experiences. The results show a delay in the development of communication in the blind infants compared with the deaf infants, indicating a more critical role of visual stimulation compared with auditory stimulation during the infancy period to this development.