Noting that early intervention can be an effective method to help children who have special needs and their parents, this study explored the relationship between a mother's knowledge of development and the age at which she recognizes her child's special needs. The second portion of the Knowledge of Infant Development Inventory was used to quantify the mothers' knowledge of child development. Separate questionnaires were developed to address demographic information and the mothers' own personal experiences. Mothers whose children attended local early intervention and preschool programs were asked to volunteer to complete the questionnaires. Analysis of responses found no relationship between the mothers' knowledge of child development and the age at which they recognized their children's special needs. A high significant positive relationship was found between the age at which the mothers noticed their children's special needs and the age at which they sought help. (Contains the Knowledge of Infant Development Inventory, a questionnaire, and 24 references.) (HTH)