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.

Results: The literature analysis revealed four components important in interactions: sensitive responsiveness, joint attention, co-regulation, and an emotional component. The abilities and disabilities, interactive behaviours, and personality of persons with PIMD influence these interactions. Additional influences are the partners' interactive strategies, knowledge, and perceptions and the context of the interaction.

Conclusions: An overview model integrates the results and forms a vehicle to facilitate our understanding of interactions with persons with high support needs. Methodological analyses of the studies show lacunae in current research. This review offers a starting point to guide future research and intervention.