Rett syndrome: Dual intervention – music and physical therapy

Music and physical therapy (dual intervention approach) with individuals with Rett syndrome was initiated as a result of the complexity and challenging features this disorder encompasses. Rett syndrome is a genetic disorder affecting mainly females. Due to its debilitating characteristics, physical activity and physical therapy is highly recommended, although typically disliked by this population. Music therapy has long been suggested as a preferred therapy intervention, highly effective and greatly loved by the Rett syndrome population. In order to address the Rett patients' physical and medical needs and at the same time take into consideration their emotional and communicative needs, thus maintaining a broad perspective and a better quality treatment, the dual treatment program of music and physical therapy was introduced. This intervention approach has enabled both therapists to raise the physical requirements of the patient without the threat of the patient rejecting the therapy program. At the same time the dual approach proved effective in improving the child's communication skills. This paper will present a dual music and physical intervention approach and its application in one case example of a child with Rett syndrome. A video of this case example can be viewed on the NJMTwebsite: www.njmt.no.