Micro-switch clusters to enhance hand responses and appropriate head position in two children with multiple disabilities.

Abstract

This study evaluated the use of micro-switch clusters to improve response activity and posture with two children with multiple disabilities. The children were first taught a hand response and then required to combine this response with appropriate head position. The micro-switch clusters adopted for this purpose consisted of a pressure or mercury micro-switch for the hand response combined with a mercury micro-switch for the head position. Both children had an increase in the frequency of the hand response and in the percentage of times this occurred in combination with appropriate head position. These changes were maintained at a 2-month post-intervention check.