Sensory-Motor Rehabilitation in Rett Syndrome

Abstract

Rett syndrome (RS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder that mostly affects females. It is characterized by a regression of motor, cognitive, linguistic, and social abilities and by an inappropriate and stereotypical use of the hands. The purpose of the current study was to explore the possibility of rehabilitating purposeful use of the hands and hand-eye coordination in individuals with this syndrome. G.P., a child affected by RS, received experimental, computerized visual-motor coordination training and a sensory-motor rehabilitative program specifically designed for her based on Piaget's (1937) theory of cognitive development. After 3 years of therapy, G.P. partially regained the use of her hands as an instrument of object knowledge and as a means of communicating with people.