Use of a mouth-wiping response to reduce drooling by two persons with profound developmental disabilities.

Two adults with profound disabilities drooled almost all day. The team gave each person a special napkin. Tiny tilt sensors inside the napkin felt every wipe across the mouth.

Each wipe turned on 5-7 seconds of music or vibration. The adults chose their favorite stimulation. Sessions ran during normal daytime routines.

Both people quickly wiped 1.6-1.9 times every minute. Wet-chin time fell below 10 percent. Gains stayed strong three months later with no extra coaching.

Lancioni et al. (2011) copied the napkin idea but swapped wiping for a mouth-drying action. Pressure sensors replaced tilt sensors. Both studies hit the same low drool levels, showing the napkin tech works for different oral moves.

Annable et al. (1979) used spoon push-back and food rewards to curb tongue thrust and drooling. That method needed a staff member every bite. The 2008 napkin runs by itself, freeing staff hands.

Irvin et al. (1998) cut hand mouthing with arm restraints. The restraints also lowered useful arm use. The napkin approach cuts drooling without blocking any needed movement.

You can give clients a sensor napkin and let the item deliver its own reinforcement. No adult needs to hover. Drooling drops, clothing stays dry, and skin breakdown risk falls. Try it during meals, play, or work tasks for an easy dignity boost.