A smartphone-based program for promoting functional object manipulation responses and positive mood in people with intellectual and multiple disabilities

Abstract

BACKGROUND: People with severe/profound intellectual and multiple disabilities often need support for their occupational engagement. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed a smartphone-based intervention program to strengthen a functional object manipulation response (i.e., collecting and putting away objects) and possibly improve the mood of five adult participants with severe/profound intellectual disability and visual-motor impairment. METHODS: The intervention program, which relied on a smartphone linked to a motion sensor, was implemented according to a nonconcurrent multiple baseline across participants design. During the program phase, every object manipulation response (detected by the motion sensor) caused the smartphone to provide the participants with 9 or 10 s of preferred stimulation. Failure to respond for a preset period of time caused the smartphone to present a verbal encouragement/prompt. RESULTS: Data showed that during baseline (prior to the intervention program), the participants’ mean frequency of object manipulation responses per 5-min session was always below three. During the intervention phase, the mean frequency of object manipulation responses varied between about 14.5 and 20.5 per session. Moreover, participants showed mood improvement. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a smartphone-based intervention program may promote functional responding and improve mood in people with severe/profound intellectual and multiple disabilities.