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Stasolla F, Passaro A, Di Gioia M, Curcio E, Zullo A. Combined extended reality and reinforcement learning to promote healthcare and reduce social anxiety in fragile X syndrome: a new assessment tool and a rehabilitative strategy. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1273117. [PMID: 38179497 PMCID: PMC10765535 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1273117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Passaro
- University “Giustino Fortunato” of Benevento, Benevento, Italy
| | | | - Enza Curcio
- University “Giustino Fortunato” of Benevento, Benevento, Italy
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The Use of Alternative Augmentative Communication in Children and Adolescents With Neurodevelopmental Disorders: a Critical Review. CURRENT DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS REPORTS 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s40474-023-00273-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
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Stasolla F, Caffò AO, Perilli V, Boccasini A, Damiani R, D'Amico F. Assistive technology for promoting adaptive skills of children with cerebral palsy: ten cases evaluation. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2018; 14:489-502. [DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2018.1467972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandro O. Caffò
- Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Viviana Perilli
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Adele Boccasini
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Rita Damiani
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Koester HH, Arthanat S. Effect of diagnosis, body site and experience on text entry rate of individuals with physical disabilities: a systematic review. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2017; 13:312-322. [PMID: 28845735 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2017.1369588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study systematically reviewed the research on computer text entry by people with physical disabilities, and conducted a quantitative synthesis of text entry rates associated with individuals' diagnosis, body site used with the interface and their level of experience. METHOD We searched 10 databases and included studies in which: typing speed was reported; the access interface was available for public use; and individuals with physical impairments were in the study population. For quantitative synthesis, we used only the text entry rates (TER) reported for individuals with physical impairments; studies also had to report the sample size, and the average and standard deviation for the text entry rates. RESULTS Thirty-nine studies involving 248 subjects met the criteria for quantitative synthesis. Cerebral palsy was associated with significantly slower TER, at 5.5 wpm, than muscular dystrophy (12.5 wpm), spina bifida (10.4 wpm), SCI high cervical (10.1 wpm) and SCI low cervical (13.3 wpm). Among the 19 body sites represented, the Fingers bilateral category had the highest average, at 17.72 wpm. Head (2.92 wpm) and Hand (non-typing) (3.95 wpm) were each associated with significantly slower TER than Hands unspecified, Fingers bilateral, Hand with control enhancer, Voice and Mouth. The three levels of experience examined, LowPlus, Medium and High, provided very similar TER. CONCLUSION This study contributes external evidence for service providers who provide computer access interventions for individuals with disabilities. The analyzed text entry performances serve as benchmarks to be used as guidelines during interface selection and training. Implications for Rehabilitation The median text entry rate (TER) across the literature for individuals with physical disabilities is 7.0 wpm. TER is affected by a user's diagnosis and the body site used for typing. These TER data can serve as diagnostic norms and benchmarks to be used as guidelines during interface selection and training. We recommend that practitioners measure text entry rate with clients, to place their performance in the context of these results and provide a baseline against which to measure effectiveness of an intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sajay Arthanat
- b Department of Occupational Therapy , University of New Hampshire , Durham , NH , USA
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Koester HH, Arthanat S. Text entry rate of access interfaces used by people with physical disabilities: A systematic review. Assist Technol 2017; 30:151-163. [PMID: 28368689 DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2017.1291544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study systematically reviewed the research on assistive technology (AT) access interfaces used for text entry, and conducted a quantitative synthesis of text entry rates (TER) associated with common interfaces. We searched 10 databases and included studies in which: typing speed was reported in words per minute (WPM) or equivalent; the access interface was available for public use; and individuals with physical impairments were in the study population. For quantitative synthesis, we used only the TER reported for individuals with physical impairments. Studies also had to report the sample size, and the average and standard deviation for the TER data. Thirty-nine studies met the criteria for quantitative synthesis. Studies involved seven interface types: standard keyboard typing, on-screen keyboard (OSK) with cursor selection, OSK with scanning selection, automatic speech recognition (ASR), Morse code, brain-computer interface (BCI), and other. ASR, standard keyboard, cursor OSK, and scanning OSK had at least four studies and 30 subjects, with TER averaging 15.4, 12.5, 4.2, and 1.7 WPM, respectively. When combined with measurements of a particular client's text entry performance, the TER from this review can be used within an evidence-based decision-making process for selecting control interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sajay Arthanat
- b Department of Occupational Therapy , University of New Hampshire , Durham , New Hampshire , USA
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Stasolla F, Perilli V, Di Leone A, Damiani R, Albano V, Stella A, Damato C. Technological aids to support choice strategies by three girls with Rett syndrome. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2015; 36:36-44. [PMID: 25310833 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2014.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Revised: 09/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This study was aimed at extending the use of assistive technology (i.e., photocells, interface and personal computer) to support choice strategies by three girls with Rett syndrome and severe to profound developmental disabilities. A second purpose of the study was to reduce stereotypic behaviors exhibited by the participants involved (i.e., body rocking, hand washing and hand mouthing). Finally, a third goal of the study was to monitor the effects of such program on the participants' indices of happiness. The study was carried out according to a multiple probe design across responses for each participant. Results showed that the three girls increased the adaptive responses and decreased the stereotyped behaviors during intervention phases compared to baseline. Moreover, during intervention phases, the indices of happiness augmented for each girl as well. Clinical, psychological and rehabilitative implications of the findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Antonia Di Leone
- Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari, Italy
| | - Rita Damiani
- Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenza Albano
- Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari, Italy
| | - Anna Stella
- Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari, Italy
| | - Concetta Damato
- Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari, Italy
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Stasolla F, Damiani R, Perilli V, Di Leone A, Albano V, Stella A, Damato C. Technological supports to promote choice opportunities by two children with fragile X syndrome and severe to profound developmental disabilities. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2014; 35:2993-3000. [PMID: 25118066 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2014.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This study was aimed at assessing whether technological supports (i.e. optic sensors such as photocells) were successful enabling two boys with fragile X syndrome and severe to profound developmental disabilities to perform occupation and choice opportunities. A second goal of the study was to reduce stereotyped behaviours (i.e. hand mouthing and eye poking) exhibited by the participants. Finally, the third purpose of the study was to verify the rehabilitative effects of the intervention program on the indices of happiness of the participants. The study has been conducted according to a non-concurrent multiple baseline design across participants followed by intervention and cross over phases, where the associations between behavioural responses and environmental consequences were systematically inverted. Moreover, a maintenance phase was assessed. The results demonstrated that the technology is useful to facilitate employment and opportunities of choice, showing a growth of the indices of happiness and a decrease of stereotyped behaviours, from both participants involved. Clinical, practical and psychological implications of the findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rita Damiani
- Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari, Italy
| | | | - Antonia Di Leone
- Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenza Albano
- Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari, Italy
| | - Anna Stella
- Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari, Italy
| | - Concetta Damato
- Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari, Italy
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Assistive technology-based programs to promote communication and leisure activities by three children emerged from a minimal conscious state. Cogn Process 2014; 16:69-78. [PMID: 25077461 DOI: 10.1007/s10339-014-0625-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This study proposed the use of assistive technology (AT) to promote communication and leisure opportunities by three children with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Furthermore, it assessed the effects of such technology on the indices of positive participation and provided a social validation procedure. Three children emerged from a minimal conscious state and presenting extensive motor disabilities were involved. The intervention program allowed the participants to request and to choice preferred items independently and to perform literacy through a keyboard emulator. A multiple probe design across behaviors with post-intervention check was employed. Outcome measures were correct requests, understandable words, intervals with positive participation, and scores of social validation assessment. Request and choice behaviors and literacy improved significantly during intervention phases. During post-intervention check, all participants consolidated their performance. Moreover, indices of positive participation increased during intervention phases. Scores of social validation assessment showed that the combination of both behaviors was preferable to the same considered separately. AT program showed to be suitable for promoting constructive engagement and literacy behaviors by children with TBI. Future research is needed to generalize this data to a larger sample and to develop new technology for people with different levels of disabilities due to TBI.
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Stasolla F, Caffò AO, Picucci L, Bosco A. Assistive technology for promoting choice behaviors in three children with cerebral palsy and severe communication impairments. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2013; 34:2694-2700. [PMID: 23770888 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2013.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Revised: 05/11/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
A technology-based program to promote independent choice behaviors by three children with cerebral palsy and multiple disabilities was assessed. The program was based on learning principles and assistive technology (i.e., customized input devices/sensors, personal computers, screening of preferred stimuli according to a binomial criterion). The first purpose of the present study was to provide the participants with a new set-up of assistive technology and to allow them to choose among three categories (i.e., food, beverage and leisure), and to request a specific item out of four in each category, adopting a procedure that minimized (according to a conditional probability criterion) unintentional choices. The second aim of the study was to carry out the effects of the program on detectable mood signs (i.e., happiness index). The study was conducted according to an ABAB sequence with a subsequent post intervention check for each participant. The results showed an increase of engagement and of the happiness index during intervention phases. Psychological as well as educational implications were discussed.
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Lancioni GE, O'Reilly MF, Singh NN, Green VA, Oliva D, Buonocunto F, Colonna F, Navarro J. Special text messaging communication systems for persons with multiple disabilities. Dev Neurorehabil 2012; 15:31-8. [PMID: 22256832 DOI: 10.3109/17518423.2011.631594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To expand recently-developed text messaging systems with new technology-based solutions so as to allow persons with multiple disabilities to write messages. METHOD Two case studies were conducted. In Study I, the new technology-based solution involved vocal scanning of the alphabet letters to allow letter selection/writing and was assessed with a woman with blindness and extensive motor disability. In Study II, the new technology-based solution involved a touch-screen superimposed on letter symbols arranged alphabetically and was assessed with a man with acquired brain injury, motor disability and lack of speech. Each study involved an ABAB design. RESULTS Participants learned to write their messages, to send them out and to listen to incoming messages during intervention sessions of nearly 30 and 20 minutes, respectively. CONCLUSION Text messaging systems can be developed that allow participants with multiple disabilities to write messages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio E Lancioni
- Department of Psychology, University of Bari, Via Quintino Sella 268, Bari, Italy.
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Lancioni GE, O'Reilly MF, Singh NN, Oliva D, Buonocunto F, Belardinelli MO. Technology-assisted writing opportunities for a man emerged from a minimally conscious state and affected by extensive motor disabilities. Dev Neurorehabil 2011; 14:123-7. [PMID: 21410404 DOI: 10.3109/17518423.2010.549097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess a computer-aided technology for assisting writing in a man who emerged from a minimally conscious state and presented with extensive motor disabilities. METHOD The technology served to present letters, in groups, at the centre of a computer screen and display (write) the letters selected by the man (i.e. through a simplified pointing response) on the upper half of that screen. RESULTS The results showed that the technology enabled the man to produce clear (readily readable) writing. This writing compared positively with the results obtained using a communication board containing the letters (i.e. a system already available to the man). CONCLUSION Computer-aided technology may provide basic writing (communication) opportunities to persons emerged from a minimally conscious state and affected by extensive motor disabilities and lack of speech.
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Green V, Oliva D, Lang R. Microswitch and keyboard-emulator technology to facilitate the writing performance of persons with extensive motor disabilities. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2011; 32:576-582. [PMID: 21227637 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2010.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2010] [Accepted: 12/14/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed the effectiveness of microswitches for simple responses (i.e., partial hand closure, vocalization, and hand stroking) and a keyboard emulator to facilitate the writing performance of three participants with extensive motor disabilities. The study was carried out according to an ABAB design. During the A phases, the participants (one child and two adults) were to write using the responses and technology available to them prior to this study. During the B phases, they used the new responses and technology. Data showed that two of the three participants had a faster writing performance during the B phases while the third participant had a slower writing performance. All three participants indicated a clear preference for the use of the new responses and technology, which were considered relatively easy and comfortable to manage and did not seem to cause any specific signs of tiredness. Implications of the findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio E Lancioni
- Department of Psychology, University of Bari, Via Quintino Sella 268, 70100 Bari, Italy.
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