Interaction with a person with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities: a case study in dialogue with an experienced staff member.

Background: The aim of this descriptive single case study was to describe a unique interaction with a person with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) in a holistic way-focusing on the client, the staff member, and the interacting dyad-and to include the experiential knowledge of the interaction partner.

Method: A videotaped interaction of the staff-client dyad was analysed by triangulating data from video analysis, documents, observational rating scales, and an interview with the staff member.

Results: The interactional pattern revealed in this study is that of a staff member who offers an activity that is considered to be stimulating for the client, by using a variety of initiatives and structuring strategies, and a client who is alert and responsive, but has limited chances to take own initiatives.

Attentional processes in interactions between people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities and direct support staff.

Few studies have examined joint attention in interactions with persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD), despite its important role in high-quality interaction. The purpose of this study is to describe the attention-directing behaviours of persons with PIMD and their direct support staff and the attention episodes resulting from their interactions, and to understand how these variables relate to each other. Video observations of 17 staff-client dyads were coded using partial interval recording.

Interaction between persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities and their partners: a literature review.

Background: High quality interactions are of crucial importance for quality of life of persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD). This literature review describes and synthesises studies addressing the interaction between persons with PIMD and their partners.

Method: A computerised literature search using defined inclusion criteria yielded 15 articles.

Quality-enhancing interventions for people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities: a review of the empirical research literature.

Background: This study provides an overview of empirical research on the effectiveness of quality-enhancing interventions for people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD).

Method: Through computerised searches of the PsycINFO and ERIC databases, and using several search criteria specifically relating to the target group and to the subject of this review, 16 studies were identified.

Results: The interventions described are targeted at the physical and material well-being, emotional well-being, social interactions, choices, and personal development of individuals with PIMD, but do not address community participation and rights.