The generalization and maintenance of the peer social behaviors of young children who are deaf or hard of hearing

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a social skills and comparison intervention on peer social behaviors of 43 young children who were deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH). Both interventions were conducted in small groups consisting of children who were D/HH and hearing. Data were obtained on 15 social behaviors in four categories: peer interaction, play, child initiations/peer responses, and peer initiations/child responses. Social behaviors were recorded during free play (a) before the intervention, (b) immediately after the intervention ceased, and (c) 4 weeks after the intervention ceased. Children receiving the social skills intervention decreased their frequency of solitary and parallel play. These changes were maintained 1 year later in an outdoor play setting.