SummaryThis paper sets out to explore the potential effects of child impairment upon the development of parent/infant interaction patterns. Interaction is seen as an important determinant of the level of social and material experience to which a child is likely to be exposed. It follows that a reduction or negative alteration of interaction patterns will have important experiential consequences and thence an effect upon cognitive development, social and emotional skills and learning ability. It is shown that the development of interactions is dependent upon stimulation of the mother by the infant and it is postulated that this stimulation or signalling can be potentially inhibited by factors which are inherent in the impairing condition and by affective and cognitive factors projected onto the child by parents. Implications for treatment are considered with emphasis placed upon a need for counselling and guidance.