Using microswitches to teach toy use

Singh³

et al. 2005

Behav. Intervent.

This study assessed whether a boy with profound multiple disabilities and minimal motor behavior would be able to control environmental stimulation using repeated eye blinks with a newly developed microswitch (i.e. an electronically regulated optic sensor mounted on an eyeglasses frame). The study was carried out according to an ABAB design and included a 3 month post-intervention check. Data showed that the boy had a large increase in the target response (repeated eye blinks) to activate the microswitch and produce environmental stimulation during the B (intervention) phases. This performance was maintained at the post-intervention check. Practical and developmental implications of the findings were discussed.

Section: Methods Participantmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

A new microswitch to enable a boy with minimal motor behavior to control environmental stimulation with eye blinks

Singh³

et al. 2005

Behav. Intervent.

“…Preferred stimuli (i.e., stimuli considered to be pleasant for the children) were selected through stimulus-preference screening (Crawford and Schuster 1993;Lancioni et al 2002). The screening covered multiple stimuli; each stimulus was presented 15-35 nonconsecutive times across several screening sessions.…”

Section: Selection Of Stimulimentioning

confidence: 99%

Promoting foot–leg movements in children with multiple disabilities through the use of support devices and technology for regulating contingent stimulation

Singh²,

et al. 2007

Cogn Process

The present study assessed the possibility of promoting pre-ambulatory foot-leg movements in children with multiple disabilities by motivating their action through contingent stimulation combined with a support device. Two children aged 10 and 8 years participated. Microswitch technology (i.e., pressure sensors under the shoes or optic sensors at the front-inner side of the shoes) served for detecting the foot-leg movements and providing contingent stimulation on their occurrence. Sensor activation produced 5 s of stimulation during intervention. Data showed that both children had significant increases in foot-leg movements during the intervention phases. Implications of the data in terms of skill acquisition and further intervention prospects are discussed.

“…The design consisted of a multiple probe across tasks with an embedded reversal for the ®rst task (Crawford & Schuster, 1993). After the initial baseline probes on both tasks, the intervention (automatically delivered reinforcement and prompting) began on dressing.…”

Section: Experimental Conditionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Promoting fluency of performance of self‐help tasks with a person with multiple disabilities

Behavioral Interventions

Campodonico

2002

A combination of favorite songs and verbal prompts (automatically delivered through portable technology) was used to promote¯uency of performance of self-help tasks in a young man with multiple disabilities. Data indicated that the intervention was effective in reducing the time required by the man to complete the self-help tasks (dressing and washing). A momentary withdrawal of the prompts after about 6 months from the beginning of the study was accompanied by performance deterioration. Implications of the ®ndings are discussed.