Non-Medical Interventions for Individuals With Rett Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities
Amoako, A. N., & Hare, D. J. (2020).
Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 33(5), 808-827.
This systematic review investigates the use of non-medical interventions such as augmentative and alternative communication in individuals with Rett syndrome.
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Peer-reviewed, published studies
22
For individuals with Rett syndrome, eight studies investigated non-medical communication interventions of assistive technology (AT) and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) including storybook, microswitch, picture exchange communication systems (PECS), vocal output communication aids (VOCA), sensors, a personal computer, computer-based AAC system, and a speech-generating device. Overall, these AT and AAC interventions were found to improve communication abilities in individuals with Rett syndrome.
For individuals with Rett syndrome, thirteen studies investigated non-medical communication interventions including assistive technology and augmentative and alternative communication, music therapy, attentional training, and cognitive rehabilitation training. Eleven studies showed improvement in target behaviors and secondary targets (e.g., happiness). Overall, non-medical communication interventions demonstrated reduced stereotyped behaviors.
For individuals with Rett syndrome, attentional training and cognitive rehabilitation training demonstrated improvements in attention skills and reading-writing abilities.
