Adaptive Behaviour Skills in Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome
Adaptive behaviour skills are everyday living skills such as washing, dressing and communication.
There has been a lack of research focusing on the ages that individuals with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome acquire certain skills such as speaking, dressing, feeding and toileting.
Communication Skills
In terms of communication, speech tends to be delayed in individuals with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome with a reported estimate of 90% of individuals experiencing this delay and some may never develop speech. Because of these difficulties, most individuals with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome need speech therapy early on in their lives.
It has been suggested that on average, children with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome speak their first words at 25 months old, however, the age at which individuals start to speak can vary considerably between individuals. The development of sentence use in speech tends to occur much later. Research has indicated that by the age of 11, a suggested 80% of individuals used 2-3-word phrases.
Mobility
Individuals with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome are able to walk by 35 months on average and over 70% of individuals under the age of 5 are able to walk without assistance. Although, a small number of individuals may never be able to walk independently.
Individuals with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome tend to experience some motor difficulties such as planning and executing motor actions. There have also been reports of poor coordination and ‘clumsiness’ in an estimated two-thirds of individuals with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome.
Self-help skills
Individuals with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome acquire the skill of toilet training at about 6 or 7 years old.
Although research suggests that most individuals with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome do achieve some independence, motor difficulties may be a particular obstacle.