Communication intervention in Rett syndrome: a survey of speech language pathologists in Swedish health services

Abstract

Purpose: 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.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Communication aids were reported to increase and clarify communicative contributions from people with Rett syndrome.

• Systematic procedures and instruments for assessment, evaluation and partner instruction were used to a small extent.

• A limited range of communicative functions were targeted in the interventions.

• There is a need for developing best practice guidelines to support SLPs in the AAC process for this population should be clients with Rett syndrome.

• Augmentative and alternative communication
• communication
• intervention
• Rett syndrome
• speech language pathology
• Sweden

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank all speech and language pathologists who participated in this study as well as everyone that helped in the recruitment process. We would also like to thank the researchers and practitioners who assisted in developing the survey.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. This work was supported by the Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Sweden, and the Swedish Rett Centre, County Council of Jämtland, Sweden.