Choice making in Rett syndrome: A descriptive study using video data

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Title

Disability and Rehabilitation

Publisher

Taylor & Francis Inc.

School

School of Medical and Health Sciences

RAS ID

23436

Comments

Article Urbanowicz, A., Ciccone, N., Girdler, S., Leonard, H., & Jenny Downs (2018): Choice making in Rett syndrome: A descriptive study using video data, Disability and Rehabilitation, 40(7), 813-819. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2016.1277392 Available here

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the choice-making abilities of girls and women with Rett syndrome.

Method: Females with Rett syndrome registered with the Australian Rett Syndrome Database with a pathogenic MECP2 mutation were included in this study. Video clips showing choice making in 64 females at a median age of 11.6 years (range 2.3 – 35.6 years) were analysed. Video clips were coded for the location and nature of the choice-making interaction, and the actions of the communication partner and female with Rett syndrome.

Results: The majority (82.8%, 53/64) of females made a choice, most using eye gaze. Just under half (24/ 53) used one modality to communicate their choice, 52.8% used two modalities and one used three modalities. Of those who made a choice, 50% did so within 8 s. The length of time to make a choice did not appear to vary with age. During choice making, 57.8% (37/64) of communication partners used language and gestures, 39.1% (25/64) used only language and two used language, gestures and symbols within the interaction. Conclusions: The provision of adequate time allowing for a response and observation for the use of multiple modalities could promote effective choice making in females with Rett syndrome

DOI

10.1080/09638288.2016.1277392

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