Identifying patterns of communicative behaviors in girls with Rett syndrome

The purpose of this study was to investigate behaviors of girls with Rett syndrome under different conditions and to determine if there were patterns of functional communicative behaviors. Six communication protocols portraying familiar and non-familiar activities were created to assist in identifying specified behaviors. The protocols incorporated activities and pre-scheduled interruptions designed to enhance communicative behaviors. Eight girls in the third and fourth stages of Rett syndrome were videotaped during the protocols. Results indicated that the girls' alternating eye gazing increased and persistence decreased when activities were interrupted. Additional behaviors varied by participant across different protocols. Several patterns of effective and ineffective communication were observed. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.