Psychological Aspects of Deafness (Infancy to Nine Years)

A sensory deprivation limits the world of experience. It deprives the organism of some material resources from which the mind develops. Total experience is reduced which means that the balance and equilibrium of all psychological processes are imposed upon. When one type of sensation is lacking, it influences the integration and function of all the others. The purpose of this paper is to look into some of the psychological implications of auditory handicaps. The author discusses the role of communication, and environment in the life of the young, deaf child and his adjustment and aptitudes and abilities. The presentation is based upon the early profound deaf as a group, mainly upon those born deaf, and upon all else being equal conditions