Technological aids to support choice strategies by three girls with Rett syndrome.

Stasolla et al. (2015) worked with three girls who have Rett syndrome.

The team set up photocells linked to a laptop.

Breaking the light beam counted as a choice and turned on a preferred video or song.

Sessions were run at the girls’ desks during regular school hours.

All three girls used the beam more often as the days went on.

Stereotypic hand-wringing dropped during the same periods.

Observers also rated the girls as happier while the tech was in use.

Lancioni et al. (2011) first showed the same photocell setup works for adults with multiple disabilities.

The 2015 study copies that layout and shows it also helps girls with Rett syndrome.

Austin et al. (2015) added posture control to the same tech package.

Their adults sat straighter, but the girls here cut stereotypy instead; the method is flexible.

Walsh et al. (2020) later moved the idea into job sites, letting adults with autism pick preferred work tasks.

Together the papers form a line: light-beam choice first, then add posture or vocational goals.

If you serve non-speakers with profound motor limits, a $10 photocell can open choice today.

No complex eye-gaze gear is needed.

Try taping a beam across a favorite toy and let the break equal "yes."

You may see less stereotypy and more smiles while you plan next steps.