Assessing parent interaction with deaf infants: A quantitative survey of UK professional practice

Between 90-95% of deaf children are born to hearing parents who often need support with how to adapt their communication. Parent child interaction (PCI) is an important predictor of deaf children’s future language development. It is therefore necessary for professionals to assess parents’ strengths and needs to identify areas for intervention. Qualified Teachers of the Deaf (QToDs), Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs), Psychologists, and National Deaf Child and Adolescent Mental Health (NDCAMHS) professionals regularly support families with deaf children. With no current evidence-based tool available to assist with the assessment of PCI in deafness, it is important to gather information on current professional practice as this may differ from known practices within research. Aims To survey the practices of UK-based professionals in the assessment of PCI where the deaf infant is aged 0-3 years. Professionals were QToDs, SLTs, Psychologists or Psychiatrists, and professionals working at NDCAMHS Services. Methods and Procedures After a pilot phase, an 85-item survey was distributed electronically through a range of professional and social media networks. Survey items were based on a systematic review of PCI with deaf infants. Survey questions were focused on parent behaviours that were assessed, methods of assessment, goal planning, and service provision. Analysis was conducted using descriptive and inferential statistics. Outcomes and Results A total of 190 professionals from across the UK completed part 1 of the survey; this decreased to 148 in part 4. Respondents were primarily female, hearing, used spoken English, and had 16 years or more experience. Results indicate that PCI is routinely assessed by a large proportion of professionals and there is a substantial overlap in which parent behaviours are assessed. Some parent behaviours are assessed that do not feature in the research. Methods of assessment are informal and predominantly consist of observation and note making, with professionals using their own ...