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Communication and oral-motor function in Rett syndrome.
1Crippled Children's Division, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97207.
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Rett syndrome impacts communication, oral-motor skills, and breathing. This study found that speech loss and oral-motor dysfunction worsen as Rett syndrome progresses through stages II to IV.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder primarily affecting girls.
- Loss of acquired speech and language skills is a hallmark of Rett syndrome.
- Oral-motor dysfunction has not been previously well-documented in Rett syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate communication skills, oral-motor function, and respiration patterns in girls with Rett syndrome.
- To explore the relationship between disease progression and these functional changes.
Main Methods:
- Studied 20 girls diagnosed with Rett syndrome.
- Assessed communication abilities.
- Evaluated oral-motor function.
- Analyzed respiration patterns.
- Correlated findings with disease stages (II-IV).
Main Results:
- All participants exhibited regression in speech and language function by Stage II.
- Oral-motor dysfunction was observed in the studied girls.
- Changes in oral-motor function and respiration patterns correlated with disease progression from Stage II to IV.
Conclusions:
- Oral-motor dysfunction is a significant feature of Rett syndrome, accompanying speech loss.
- Functional impairments in communication, oral-motor skills, and respiration are linked to the advancement of Rett syndrome.