Enhancing Walking Ability in Individuals with Rett Syndrome Throughthe Use of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA): Review and a Case Study

摘要

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental syndrome with arrest in brain development. The disorder iscaused by a faulty gene on the X chromosome, mainly affecting females. The syndrome usually manifested itself throughvast clinical impairments in functional abilities including motor disability. According to different studies only 50-75% ofall affected females will achieve walking ability, and some will lose this ability later in life. The benefits of living aphysically active life both for handicapped as well as for non-handicapped individuals have been vastly described in theliterature. Since life expectancy of individuals with RTT is around 50 years of age, and due to the medical and functionaldifficulties accompanying this syndrome it is extremely important that the person with RTT will be engaged in an ongoingactive life style from a young age. In addition to the achievements of gait there are a few case studies describing the regainingof lost walking ability in this population due to an intensive intervention. The present article explores the benefitsof walking for this population and describes a case study, where applied behavioral analysis (ABA) techniques were usedto extend her daily walking ability. The present case study is unique, as no existing literature supporting the use of ABAtechniques for individuals with RTT was found. The findings of the present investigation support existing literaturesuggesting the importance of an intensive adapted intervention which can improve functional abilities in individuals withRTT.