Eye-trackers, digital-libraries, and print-referencing: A single case study in CDKL5.

Area of Science:

• Assistive technology in education
• Developmental disabilities research
• Early literacy interventions

Background:

• Emergent literacy interventions for children with complex disabilities are challenging.
• Assessing outcomes requires innovative approaches for these diverse needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To use commercial eye-tracking technology to measure visual attention to print.
• To evaluate a parent-mediated print referencing intervention for a child with severe congenital disability.

Main Methods:

• A single case study of a mother-daughter dyad.
• Utilized eye-gaze technology and digital books in a home setting.
• Employed remote researcher support for setup and intervention delivery.

Main Results:

• Eye-tracking successfully captured the participant's eye-gaze data.
• Observed changes in visual attention to print after intervention.
• Demonstrated shifts in fixation frequency indicating increased print focus.

Conclusions:

• Commercial eye-trackers and digital libraries are viable tools for assessing visual attention.
• Parent-child dyads can successfully implement interventions with remote researcher support.
• This approach offers a feasible method for supporting emergent literacy in children with complex needs.