Enabling a person with multiple disabilities and minimal motor behaviour to control environmental stimulation with chin movements.

Abstract

To assess whether a young man with multiple disabilities and minimal motor behaviour would learn to control environmental stimulation using chin movements and a mechanical microswitch. The study was carried out according to an ABAB design in which A represented baseline and B intervention phases. The chin movements controlled the stimulation only during the intervention phases. A 2-month post-intervention check was conducted. The man increased the frequency of his chin movements, thus increasing the level of environmental stimulation, during the intervention phases. This performance was maintained at the post-intervention check. The use of chin movements is a practical strategy for enabling individuals with minimal motor movements to control environmental stimulation. Future research should examine whether similar types of movements may enable some individuals to control voice-output communication devices.