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Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities
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Sensory-Motor Rehabilitation in Rett Syndrome

A Case Report

Maria Rosa Pizzamiglio

IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy

Marianna Nasti

IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy

Laura Piccardi

University of L'Aquila, Italy, and IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy, laura.piccardi{at}cc.univaq.it

Antonella Zotti

IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy

Claudio Vitturini

University of Rome, La Sapienza, Italy

Grazia Spitoni

University of Chieti "G. D'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy

Maria Vittoria Nanni

IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy

Cecilia Guariglia

University of Rome"La Sapienza", Italy, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy

Daniela Morelli

IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy

Rett syndrome (RS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder that mostly affects females. It is characterized by a regression of motor, cognitive, linguistic, and social abilities and by an inappropriate and stereotypical use of the hands. The purpose of the current study was to explore the possibility of rehabilitating purposeful use of the hands and hand-eye coordination in individuals with this syndrome. G.P., a child affected by RS, received experimental, computerized visual-motor coordination training and a sensory-motor rehabilitative program specifically designed for her based on Piaget's (1937) theory of cognitive development. After 3 years of therapy, G.P. partially regained the use of her hands as an instrument of object knowledge and as a means of communicating with people.

Key Words: Rett syndrome • cognitive development • sensory-motor rehabilitation • visual-motor coordination • rehabilitative treatment • computerized training • severe cognitive retardation • stereotypical hand movements

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Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, Vol. 23, No. 1, 49-62 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/1088357607311446
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