A man with multiple disabilities using a head‐turning response to reduce the effects of his drooling

Abstract

A man with multiple disabilities was taught to perform a head-turning response to activate optic sensors embedded in a small spongy structure at his shoulder and produce preferred stimuli. By touching the spongy structure with chin and mouth (i.e., to activate the sensors), the man would clean these areas thus curbing the effects of his drooling. Data showed that the man increased the frequency of his head-turning responses and reduced drooling effects (chin wetness) through the intervention and a 3-month follow-up. Forty university students, who were involved in a social validation assessment, indicated that the intervention was suitable and enjoyable to the man, had a social/educational function, and represented an approach that they supported.

Low-level evidence for behavioral intervention to treat drooling in children with neurodisability

“…For instance, targets for behavioral intervention like "mouth drying" or "posture control" are missing. Because of the chosen age range from 0 to 18 years, six interesting SCEDs studies by Lancioni and colleagues on behavioral interventions that make use of microswitch technology to reduce drooling in individuals with multiple disabilities and severe to profound learning disabilities with participants >18y are not included in this LOW-LEVEL EVIDENCE FOR BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION 3 systematic review (G. E. Lancioni et al, 2008aLancioni et al, , 2008bLancioni et al, , 2009cLancioni et al, , 2011aLancioni et al, , 2011bLancioni et al, , 2013. One might argue that developmental age in this population is more relevant than chronological age, and as a consequence, chronological age is no valid reason to exclude these studies in this systematic review.…”

Generalization and maintenance of a self-management program for drooling in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities: A second case series

“…Since then, new microswitch-based techniques were developed for persons with severe/profound intellectual and multiple disabilities by Lancioni and colleagues. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12] In their case studies, a consequent behavioral technique is used in which the wiping response of the participant activates a microswitch that automatically triggers visual, vibrotactile, and/or auditory (music) stimuli. These reinforcing stimuli promote an increase of the wiping response and lead to a reduction of the effects of drooling.…”