Visual Attention to Print During Shared Reading With Children With Rett Syndrome: The Feasibility of a Remote Research Protocol

What is it about?

This study explored whether families with a child with Rett syndrome could take part in research from home using video conferencing and special computer equipment. Researchers sent laptops with eye-tracking technology to two families with daughters who have Rett syndrome. They helped the mothers set up and use the equipment remotely while reading digital books with their children. At first, the mothers read as they normally would, and the eye-tracking software recorded how much their children looked at printed words. Then, the mothers received online training on how to point out and talk about printed words during reading. After the training, the mothers read more books using these new techniques. The results showed that the mothers were able to use the technology successfully. After the training, they used more strategies to highlight printed words, and their children paid more attention to the print. This suggests that remote support and training can help families use technology for learning and research at home.

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Photo by Adam Winger on Unsplash

Photo by Adam Winger on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This work is important because it shows that families of children with Rett syndrome can successfully participate in research and learning activities from home using remote support and specialized technology.