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The inter-relationships between cerebral visual impairment, autism and intellectual disability

S Chokron1, K Kovarski1, T Zalla2

  • 1Fondation Ophtalmologique A. de Rothschild, Institut de Neuropsychologie, Neurovision et NeuroCognition, Paris, France; CNRS (Integrative Neuroscience and Cognition Center, UMR 8002), Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.

Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|April 17, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Vision deficits in children can mimic autism spectrum disorder (ASD) features, increasing developmental risks. Early screening and management of visual impairments are crucial for at-risk children.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • Vision is fundamental for childhood development, influencing motor skills, social interaction, and environmental understanding.
  • Visual processing deficits can lead to cognitive, motor, and social impairments, increasing the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) features.
  • Severe early-onset visual dysfunction poses the greatest risk for neurodevelopmental disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the intricate relationship between visual impairments and neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
  • To highlight the potential for Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) to manifest symptoms resembling ASD.
  • To emphasize the need for integrated approaches addressing both visual and cognitive/social development.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on visual processing, neurodevelopment, and autism spectrum disorder.
  • Analysis of the dual perspective where visual deficits can lead to ASD-like features and vice-versa.
  • Identification of at-risk populations requiring targeted interventions.

Main Results:

  • Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) can result in cognitive and social developmental disorders similar to ASD.
  • Children with primary cognitive/social developmental disorders may exhibit visual and perceptual deficits.
  • A strong link exists between impaired vision and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Conclusions:

  • Early identification and intervention for visual impairments are critical for children at risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Systematic screening for visual and perceptual impairments is necessary for at-risk children.
  • Long-term management strategies integrating social and educational support are required for affected children.

Keywords:
ASDBlindnessCVICognitive developmentIntellectual disabilityInteraction

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