Communication assessment for individuals with Rett syndrome: A systematic review

We reviewed studies that aimed to determine whether behaviors, such as body movements, vocalizations, eye gaze, and facial expressions, served a communicative function for individuals with Rett syndrome. A systematic search identified eight studies, which were summarized in terms of (a) participants, (b) assessment targets, (c) assessment protocols, (d) main findings, and (e) evidence of communication. The eight studies included 41 females with Rett syndrome, ranging from 2.7 (years.months) to 36 years of age. All studies used direct behavioral observations to assess participants’ behavior. Half the studies also used standardized assessments and interviews. Evidence of communication behavior was found for at least some participants in each study, but the validity of this evidence is unknown. Still, the observation-based approaches described in these studies may enable clinicians to identify a range of potential communicative forms and functions, which could be useful for intervention planning.

Research highlights▶ This systematic review identified eight studies that focused on whether existing behaviors in the repertoires of individuals with Rett syndrome served a communication function. Results showed that a variety of assessment approaches have been implemented in an effort to determine whether behaviors, such as body movements, vocalizations, eye gaze, and facial expressions, serve a communicative function for individuals with Rett syndrome. Common themes from these eight studies were that a limited range of behaviors appeared to be used for requesting, protesting, and attention-gaining.