| Sumario: | The high prevalence and serious sequelae of the pediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/AIDS) in South Africa pose great challenges for clinicians involved in early intervention to develop appropriate interdisciplinary programmes for primary prevention of transmission of the virus as well as secondary interventions directed at the early management of the unique combination of serious health problems, neuro-developmental needs and caregiving circumstances of the infants. This study was an explorative, descriptive survey with the aim to describe the early communication development of ten 6-12 month old infants with pediatric HIV/AIDS in two care centres in Gauteng. Neonatal risk factors identified in the subjects were low birth weight and prematurity. Recurrent illnesses, abnormal middle ear functioning indicative of otitis media, and excessive amounts of ear wax occured. The results also indicated limited opportunity for the development of interaction-attachment between the subjects and their caregivers. A general developmental delay, particularly with regard to their communication development, was present in all the subjects. The delayed communication development can be associated with both their HIV/ AIDS status as well as the non-optimal caregiver-infant interaction and stimulation in the care centres. The study emphasises the importance of appropriate early communication intervention services to infants with pediatric HIV/AIDS in care centres in South Africa.
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