title: Functional communication training in rett syndrome: a preliminary study.
abstract: Rett syndrome (RTT) is associated with a range of serious neurodevelopmental consequences including severe communicative impairments. Currently, no evidence-based communication interventions exist for the population ( Sigafoos et al., 2009 ). The purpose of the current study was to examine the effectiveness of functional assessment (FA) and functional communication training (FCT) methods for teaching 3 individuals (ages 15-47 years) with classic RTT novel communicative behaviors. Using single-case experimental designs, functional reinforcers were identified (FA) and each participant quickly learned to activate a voice-output switch to obtain a reinforcer (FCT). These results suggest that individuals with classic RTT can learn novel communicative responses, which has important implications for future intervention research.
authors.forename: Breanne J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Byiers
authors.forename: Adele
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dimian
authors.forename: Frank J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Symons
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D003147:Communication Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004495:Education of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015518:Rett Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D014040:Token Economy; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Rett syndrome; functional analysis; functional communication training