Family Stress and Child Competence: The Effects of Early Intervention for Families with Deaf Infants

This report presents findings on an independent evaluation of an early intervention program for profoundly deaf children. Located in Vancouver, B.C., this comprehensive program served families with children under age 3. The evaluation included comparison to a matched sample of children without intervention. Included were a developmental assessment and assessment of family stress, knowledge, and functions. Results indicated more developmentally mature communication, lower stress, and higher quality interaction in families who had received intervention.