Eyes on communication: trialling eye-gaze control technology in young children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to identify eye-gaze control technology outcomes, parent perception of the technology and support received, and gauge the feasibility of available measures.

Methods: Five children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy, mean age 4 years, 4 months (1 year, 0 months); n = 4 males; trialled two eye-gaze control technology systems, each for six weeks. Parents completed pre- and post-questionnaires.

Results: Parents found the 6-week home-based trial period to be the right length. Written guidelines and instructions about set-up, calibration, and play and learning activities were perceived as important. Children demonstrated improvements in goal achievement and performance. Parents found questionnaires on quality of life, participation, behaviours involved in mastering a skill and communication outcomes challenging to complete resulting in substantial missing data.

Conclusion: Eye-gaze control technology warrants further investigation for young children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy in a large international study.

Keywords: Assistive technology; communication; dyskinetic cerebral palsy; eye-gaze.