title: Communication intervention in Rett syndrome: a survey of speech language pathologists in Swedish health services.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate communication intervention that speech language pathologists (SLPs) provide to people with Rett syndrome.
  
  
  METHODS
  A web-based survey targeting all Swedish SLPs working with people currently receiving support from habilitation services.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The SLPs reportedly followed recommended practice in the following aspects: (1) Information on communicative function was collected from several sources, including observation in well-known settings and reports from the client s social network, (2) Multimodal communication was promoted and, (3) Responsive partner strategies were largely targeted in the intervention. However, few instruments or standard procedures were used and partner instruction was given informally. Most SLPs used communication aids in the intervention and their general impression of using communication aids was positive. Further, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) was estimated to increase and clarify communicative contributions from the person.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Communication aids were reported to have a positive influence on communicative functions. Swedish SLP services followed best practice in several aspects, but there are areas with potential for development. Tools and best practice guidelines are needed to support SLPs in the AAC process for clients with Rett syndrome. [Box: see text].
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Research in Disability and Habilitation, Uppsala University , Uppsala , Sweden .
authors.forename: Helena
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wandin
authors.forename: Per
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lindberg
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sonnander
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D015518:Rett Syndrome / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden
keywords: Augmentative and alternative communication; Rett syndrome; Sweden; communication; intervention; speech language pathology