Real-time composition of image and sound in the (re)habilitation of children with special needs: a case study of a child with cerebral palsy

Abstract This paper presents a single case study of a child with cerebral palsy conducted within the framework of a research project examining the potentialbenefits of real-timeinteractiveimage and music composition on the (re)habilitation of children with special needs. An interface was designed to simultaneously present audio and visual feedback stimuli. The child had low mobility of upper limbs, was in a wheelchair and had a short attention span. Sessions took place over a six month period. The first thirteen sessions were analysed. Quality of movement control improved across sessions as well as the quality of the sound produced, revealing growing intentionality on music production. Independent assessments made by the multidisciplinary team of therapists who were delivering rehabilitation services to the child revealed gains in most behavioural skills.