Beyond the Norm—Social Maturity and Deafness

Social maturity in deaf children has long been gauged by the norms of their hearing counterparts. Though this is one measure, it does not take into consideration differences in maturity rates, differences in ways of maturing, factors which contribute to delayed or accelerated development, peer measures, and comparisons of deaf children to other groups deprived of elements contributing to accepted growth. Labels and stereotypes are often the result of traditional investigations. A broader perspective related to the subject is recommended along with suggestions for needed research.