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Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Blind Children: Very High Prevalence, Potentially Better Outlook

Rubin Jure1, Ramón Pogonza2, Isabelle Rapin3

  • 1Centro Privado de Neurología y Neuropsicología Infanto Juvenil Wernicke, Viamonte 131 B° General Paz, CP: X5004AUC, Córdoba, Argentina. rubinjurerj@gmail.com.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|September 27, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is significantly more common in children with congenital blindness. This suggests a unique cause, and some children showed signs of recovery, warranting further research.

Area of Science:

  • Neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric neurology

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges with social interaction and communication.
  • Blindness, particularly congenital blindness, presents unique sensory and neurological experiences that may influence neurodevelopment.
  • The prevalence of ASD in blind populations is not well-established, leading to potential underdiagnosis and lack of targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in a cohort of children with blindness.
  • To explore potential correlations between ASD and factors such as type of blindness, etiology, sex, brain damage, and socioeconomic status.
  • To examine the phenomenon of autism recovery in blind children and discuss implications for understanding ASD pathogenesis and outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted on 38 unselected children attending a school for the blind in Cordoba, Argentina.
  • Children were assessed for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) using established diagnostic criteria.
  • Data on blindness characteristics, demographic factors, and neurological status were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) were identified in 19 out of 38 (50%) children with blindness.
  • The prevalence of ASD was significantly associated with total congenital blindness, irrespective of its cause or other factors.
  • Four verbal children with ASD demonstrated signs of 'recovery', suggesting a potentially different course in this population.

Conclusions:

  • Congenital blindness is a significant risk factor for autism spectrum disorders (ASD), suggesting a distinct pathogenic pathway possibly related to altered sensory input and brain reorganization.
  • The high prevalence and potentially better outcomes in blind children with ASD highlight the need for increased awareness and specialized diagnostic approaches.
  • Further research is crucial to elucidate the mechanisms underlying ASD in congenital blindness and to develop effective interventions.

Keywords:
Autism recoveryAutism spectrum disorderAutistic regressionBlindismsBlindnessCongenital blindness

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