Intervention Overview
General Principles of Therapy:
Examples of goals:
During the regression phase, it is important to focus on fun activities that do not feel like "work". These fine motor tasks should appear to be enjoyable hand activities. (Rett Syndrome Handbook)
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References
Cass H, Reilly S, Owen L, Wisbeach A, Weekes L, Slonims V, Wigram T, Charman T (2003). Findings from a multidisciplinary clinical case series of females with Rett syndrome. Journal of Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology (45); 325 – 337.
Hunter, K (2007). The Rett Syndrome handbook: In words you can understand from those who understand. International Rett Syndrome Association.
- Look for potential – for example use of eye gaze, or initiation of movement towards a desired object (Cass et al, 2003)
- Keep in mind the affect of dyspraxia. Often times there is a marked delay between a prompt and reaction. Video-recording a session may help identify patterns (Cass et al, 2003)
- Progress is often very slow. Rett Syndrome is not a neurodegenerative disorder, and improvements in functional self care and hand skills can be achieved throughout the lifespan (Cass et al, 2003)
Examples of goals:
- Identify and encourage use of head, elbows or other body parts over which she may have better control
- Maximize hand use for functional activities
- Develop ability to access communication devices
- Develop ability to access a variety of assistive technology
- Improve ability to perform independent feeding skills
- Improve ability to assist with grooming activities
- Improve ability to tolerate sensory input in school setting
During the regression phase, it is important to focus on fun activities that do not feel like "work". These fine motor tasks should appear to be enjoyable hand activities. (Rett Syndrome Handbook)
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References
Cass H, Reilly S, Owen L, Wisbeach A, Weekes L, Slonims V, Wigram T, Charman T (2003). Findings from a multidisciplinary clinical case series of females with Rett syndrome. Journal of Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology (45); 325 – 337.
Hunter, K (2007). The Rett Syndrome handbook: In words you can understand from those who understand. International Rett Syndrome Association.