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

ABSTRACT

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

Keywords:

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), developmental disability, enhanced walking, intellectual disability, Rett syndrome.