Examining the Views of Mothers Having Children with Developmental Disabilities on Language Acquisition and Supporting Language Development

This study examined the views of mothers on the language acquisition and their children‟s language performance. Also mothers‟ views in supporting language development and communication skills has been investigated. The participants were 14 mothers who had children having developmental disabilities and their children aged between 30-60 months old. The education levels of the mothers were at least high school. All children had disability related to communication and language. In the study, the data were gathered through the semi-structured interview technique. The mothers were asked to state their views on their children s language acquisition, language and communication performance. Also, their opinions in supporting their children‟s language development and communication skills have been asked. They stated that children acquired language and communication skills through imitation, on their own without any support or socially interaction. Also they asserted that techniques based on imitation, activities that attract children s interest and natural methods were effective in supporting their language and communication skills. Some of the mothers interpreted their children s language and communication performance as not being able to express but receptive language skills are good. Another group of mothers stated that their children not preferring spoken language and rest of the mothers express their opinions about their childrens‟ language performans as not understanding what they are told