Temporal analysis of attentional processes in spontaneous interactions between people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities and their support workers.

BACKGROUND: Few studies examined joint attention in interactions with people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD), although being an important component of high-quality interaction. The purpose of this study is to describe initiating joint attention behaviour from people with PIMD and their support workers as well as the sequential relationship between initiating joint attention behaviour and attention episodes in spontaneous interactions.

METHOD: Video observations of 28 support worker-client dyads were coded using partial interval coding.

RESULTS: Results show much variation across persons and dyads. Within the support worker-client dyad, there is not much joint attention but shared attention is frequently occurring. In general, people with PIMD are directing the attention of their interaction partner at low rates. The support workers are frequently directing the attention of the clients towards a topic of interest but not often through the tactile modality. The occurrence of an attention episode cannot be predicted on the basis of preceding initiating joint attention behaviour of the interaction partners.

CONCLUSION: This study presents directions for future research and implications for practice. It may increase support workers' knowledge of their own contributions, strengths and weaknesses in directing and maintaining attention within interactions with people with PIMD.