Mexican American Mothers' Perceptions and Beliefs About Language Acquisition in Infants and Toddlers With Disabilities

This study examined the perceptions and beliefs about language acquisition of seven Spanish-speaking Mexican American mothers who had young children (age 24–37 months) with language disabilities. These children were served in an Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program in central Texas. How mothers' perceptions and beliefs influenced their decision as to whether ECI services were provided in Spanish or English was examined, as was their understanding of how to support their children's language development. Data were gathered using a home language questionnaire, a structured interview, and observations of mother-child interactions. Data were analyzed using a modified grounded theory approach. Themes that emerged from the interviews and mother-child interactions are examined and implications for early childhood intervention are discussed.