The study examined the dyadic relationship between two nonverbal, severely handicapped children (5 and 6 years old) and their mothers. Ss were videotaped in a classroom at an early intervention program, and approximately 110 maternal verbalizations were transcribed. Among findings were that the dyads used little eye contact while communicating; children used movement and nonverbal behavior to communicate; and mothers' verbalizations were used to continue, request, describe, comment, or seek information. An outlined version of the study (with sections on subject characteristics, methodology, results, and implications ) is attached. (SW)