Microswitch-Cluster Technology for Promoting Occupation and Reducing Hand Biting of Six Adolescents with Fragile X Syndrome: New Evidence and Social Rating

摘要

We further extended the use of microswitch-cluster technology for promoting occupational activities and reducing hand biting of six adolescents with fragile X syndrome and severe to profound developmental disabilities. The primary rehabilitative goal was to enhance the adaptive response (i.e., inserting three different objects in the three containers within a 4s time interval). The secondary objective was to evaluate the effects of the intervention on indices of positive participation as outcome measure of the participants quality of life. Finally, a social validation assessment involving sixty-six external raters was conducted. The study was carried out according to an ABB(1)AB(1) experimental sequence for each participant. Thus, A indicated baselines, B indicated the intervention focused on promoting the adaptive response irrespective of the challenging behavior, and B-1 indicated the cluster phases with the provision of positive stimulation only if the adaptive response was exhibited with the absence of the challenging behavior. A one-year follow-up was implemented. Results showed an improved performance for all the participants, which was maintained over the time. Indices of positive participation increased as well. Social raters favorably scored the use of the microswitch-cluster technology. Clinical, educational, psychological, and rehabilitative implications of the findings were critically discussed.