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Communication skills among females with Rett syndrome
1Institute of Psychology, University of Oslo, Blindern, Norway.
European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Communicative behaviors in Rett syndrome (RS) are limited, with few intentional signals. Intervention strategies like structured overinterpretation and total communication can foster responsive environments for individuals with RS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Speech and Language Pathology
Background:
- Rett syndrome (RS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder primarily affecting girls.
- Limited research exists on the specific communicative behaviors observed in individuals with RS across a wide age range.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and analyze the communicative behaviors of Norwegian females with Rett syndrome.
- To identify patterns in intentional communication, gaze shifts, and interaction turns.
Main Methods:
- Observational study of 42 Norwegian girls and women with Rett syndrome.
- Age range: 2.5 to 47 years.
- Analysis of communicative behaviors, including gaze shifts and interaction patterns.
Main Results:
- Most participants did not exhibit behaviors clearly indicative of intentional communication.
- Gaze shifts, when present, were typically limited to 1-3 turns.
- Limited use of intentional communicative signals was observed.
Conclusions:
- Intervention requires structured overinterpretation to interpret behaviors as communicative.
- Structured total communication is essential for providing non-speech communication methods.
- These strategies may create a more responsive environment, even without eliciting intentional communication.