Pediatrics: how to encourage forward motion in walker

Hello all,

I'm wondering if anyone has some suggestions for helping a child learn to move forward in a pediatric walker.

Here is the context: I am working with a 34 month old, little girl with severe delays in gross and fine motor development as well as social, speech and language development. She seems very Rett Syndrome like, however, this has been ruled out. She generally does not use her hands in functional ways, eg. does not feed self, but will reach out to touch pets or press buttons on a musical toy.She can sit independently but prefers to have some kind of support - if only for proprioceptive input (could be one finger on her back). Parents really want her to learn to walk. It may just be too early, however, she is able to push herself backwards in a walker (seated) and mom wants suggestions for how to move forwards.

I've explained the obvious, that she needs to learn to shift her weight forwards instead of leaning back, and until that happens she won't move forward. I've suggested activities that encourage forward reaching and weight shifting.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me??? I'm open to anything. Just remember that this child's use of her arms/hands is very limited, same with social interactions.

Thanks for your help!
C