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Behavioural problems among visually impaired between 6 months and 5 years
E Tirosh1, M R Shnitzer, M Davidovitch
1Hannah Khousy Child Development Center, Bnai Zion Center, Haifa, Israel.
Insights
Behavioral problems are common in legally blind children, affecting nearly half. Overanxious, oppositional, and avoidant disorders were most frequent, requiring psychological support for affected children and families.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Behavioral problems are a significant concern in children with visual impairments.
- Understanding the specific types and prevalence of these issues is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence and types of behavioral problems in legally blind children.
- To identify specific behavioral disorders and their associations with other conditions.
Main Methods:
- A 13-year cohort study of 182 legally blind children (6 months to 5 years).
- Utilized standardized ophthalmological, neurodevelopmental, and physical examinations.
- Included parental interviews and video recordings, with diagnoses based on DSM-III-R criteria.
Main Results:
- Behavioral problems were documented in 49% of the children studied.
- The most prevalent disorders were overanxious (14 children), oppositional (15 children), and avoidant (26 children).
- Overanxious disorder correlated with partial sightedness; avoidant disorder with neurodevelopmental deficits.
Conclusions:
- Legally blind children exhibit a high prevalence of behavioral problems.
- Targeted psychological monitoring and support are essential for these children and their families.
- Early identification and intervention can mitigate the impact of behavioral disorders.
Abstract:
The prevalence and types of behavioural problems among legally blind children were assessed by employing a cohort study design in a well defined geographic area. One hundred and eighty two children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years were consecutively assessed over a period of 13 years. A standardized ophthalmological, neurodevelopmental and physical examination, a parental interview and video recording were employed. Diagnostic classification was based on the DSM-III-R criteria (American Psychiatric Association, 1987). Behavioural problems were documented in 49%. In 61% of these, three disorders were identified: (1) overanxious (n = 14), (2) oppositional with or without attention deficit hyperactivity (n = 15), and avoidant with or without stereotypy (n = 26). The first category is associated with partial sightedness and the third with neurodevelopmental deficits. The prevalence of behavioural problems among blind children is high and therefore a careful psychological monitoring and assistance should be offered to them and their parents.