A training program for the use of the Cyberlink control system for young children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

This exploratory study investigated the use of the Cyberlink with two 4- and 5-year-old non-verbal children with severe cerebral palsy. The Cyberlink is a computer interface which reads voltage at the user's forehead from brain waves, minute facial muscle movements, and eye movements. It has been studied with adults diagnosed with severe neuromotor disorders but has not been investigated with young children. For this study, a training program was developed to teach “clicking” of a mouse cursor and cursor control for play, preliteracy, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Results indicated that both subjects learned to control the cursor for “clicking.” The child with higher cognitive-linguistic skills also achieved horizontal control of the cursor. Individualization of the stimuli presented and flexibility of the Cyberlink software appear to be key elements in the success of the training program.