Actual attempts to reduce stereotypic movements of hands in children (persons) with Rett syndrome.

Abstract

The objective of this study is to reveal actual attempts to reduce stereotypic movements of hands observed in children (persons) with Rett syndrome. A questionnaire survey was conducted nationwide in 2016 using postal service in subjects of a total of 1,220 institutions including principals of 1,016 special support schools as well as persons in charge of rehabilitation division of 130 residential healthcare facilities for disabled children, 73 wards for children with severe motor and intellectual disabilities at independent institutions of national hospital organization, and 1 facility of National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry. As a consequence, information of a total of 216 children (persons) (aged 3-53 years, Yokochi classification A1-E6) with Rett syndrome was obtained. Attempts were made to reduce stereotypic movements of hands in 104 subjects, while in other 104 subjects, no attempt was made. There was no difference in terms of conditions of both groups. The attempts included more efforts to encourage using hands rather than to suppress stereotypic movements. For children (persons) of Yokochi classification A1-A6, sensory stimulation was used in majority of the attempts. Various attempts had been made according to individual subjects; further investigation will be needed to reveal what kinds of attempts would be effective for what types of children (persons).