Fostering Ambulation for a Preschool Child with Rett Syndrome: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

Children with Rett Syndrome (RS) have neuromotor impairments that impact their mobility. Poor hand function among children with RS limits the selection of an assistive device for ambulation. Purpose: The purpose of this case report is to describe the process of selecting an assistive device for a child with RS to promote ambulation. Method: This single subject case reports on a 5-year-old girl with RS at a suburban mid-western early childhood special education setting. Results: The child in this case was able to walk the farthest distances with a metal toy shopping cart and then with an anterior facing four-wheeled walker. Conclusion: The outcome suggests that physical therapists and health professionals caring for young children with RS consider using a metal toy shopping cart to establish and practice ambulation prior to selection of a longer term, adjustable anterior facing walker like the one in this case report.

KEYWORDS.:

• Ambulation
• assistive device
• physical therapy
• preschool
• Rett Syndrome