Choice behavior in Rett Syndrome: The consistency parameter

Background: The opportunity to make choices is important for improving the quality of life and increasing the sense of control experienced by people with neurodevelopmental disorder. One of the most important criteria to understand the ability to make choices is the consistency parameter. The aim of this study was to analyse the consistency of choice behaviour in girls with Rett Syndrome (RTT). Methods: Twenty-four girls (13 with RTT and 11 controls, matched on mental age and gender) were tested with stimuli at three different levels of difficulty: with actual items, pictures of the items, and written name items. Results: Consistency of choice index was calculated to compare the performances of girls with RTT and controls. The group factor shows no significant effect. Girls with RTT make choices consistently as the control group. Discussion: This study has shown that individuals with profound neurodevelopmental disorders, as the girls with RTT, are able to make choices keeping consistency in their choices.