The results of research investigating the contributions of infant physical and personality characteristics as well as parental caretaking behaviors on the establishment of interaction pattems, and their subsequent influence on cognitive, social, and motor development are discussed in relation to the implications of findings for the identification and treatment of infants with developmental disabilities. The position is taken that the importance of interaction for later learning and development necessitates the initiation of early intervention programs aimed at preventing the occurrence of developmental delay or ameliorating the effects of handicapping conditions as soon after birth as possible. It is suggested that special techniques be incorporated to train caretakers in arranging the environment to encourage appropriate infant behavior or modify maladaptive responses to produce optimal interaction patterns.
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