Empowering Voices and Social Connections through Ease of Access and Enhanced Sensory Regulation

During these new times of social distancing and staying at home, is it harder for your son, daughter, or student who has Rett syndrome to focus and stay engaged? Has his/her interest in using his/her communication device with eye gaze technology decreased somewhat? Do you need to try out some new ideas? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then this presentation is for you. The remote world has created life-changing opportunities for individuals who have Rett syndrome. Through remote connection to an individual’s communication device and a video connection, ways to make changes in an individual’s access to his or her communication device with eye gaze technology have been identified. These small shifts have produced dramatic results in their desire to connect and engage in social opportunities while also improving their ability to stay focused and maintain their sensory systems in a “regulated state.”

This presentation will discuss the relationship between sensory regulation, focus and engagement, which support successful communication and learning.
Strategies and tools that can be implemented remotely to empower the voices of individuals who have Rett syndrome, while deepening their social closeness with family and friends, and fostering new friendships will also be highlighted.

This presentation is 150 minutes.