Video Observations of Dyadic Interaction: Behaviour style of Presymbolic Children

Abstract

Research has shown that the behaviour style of children with multiple disabilities who do not use symbols in their communication affects their interaction with others. This study investigated the patterns of caregiver–child interaction and the relation between patterns of interaction and behaviour style in seven children with multiple disabilities who do not use symbols. Purposive sampling was employed and video recordings of caregiver–child interaction were performed during home visits. The results showed that the children's behaviour style and how easily the children could be interpreted were factors that the caregivers used to monitor the interaction and obtain more frequent periods of successful interaction. By triangulation of instruments the caregivers were shown to be well aware of the roles children and parents had in the dyadic interaction.