As parents, you always aim to provide the best for your children and ensure you comprehend their needs. Cortical/cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is a condition related to visual impairments that demands attention and understanding.

Since one in every 30 children may be affected by CVI, it is important to become educated on the condition and its associated challenges. In this article, we delve into the world of CVI, its causes, common symptoms, and how to recognize this condition in your child.

What is CVI?

Cortical visual impairment, also called cerebral visual impairment, refers to a condition where the brain has difficulty processing visual information. Unlike ocular visual impairment, where the problem lies in the eyes, CVI stems from the brain’s visual processing centers. This means children with CVI may have structurally normal eyes but struggle to understand what they see.

Understanding CVI is crucial for parents and caregivers to provide the necessary support and accommodations to help their child navigate the challenges associated with this condition.

Common causes

CVI can have various causes, and it’s important to note that each child’s situation is unique. Some common causes of CVI include:

• Birth-related complications: CVI can be caused by premature birth, low birth weight and conditions such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).
• Brain injury: Traumatic brain injury, stroke or infection affecting the brain can lead to CVI.
• Developmental abnormalities: Certain brain abnormalities or genetic conditions — such as cerebral palsy or epilepsy — may be associated with CVI.

These causes can lead to neurological damage that impairs the brain’s visual pathways. As a result, children with CVI may experience difficulty processing and interpreting visual information.

Common symptoms

It’s crucial to recognize the symptoms of CVI to provide early intervention and support. While the severity and manifestation of symptoms can vary among children, some common signs of CVI may include:

• Difficulty with visual recognition: Children with CVI may struggle to recognize familiar faces and objects or visually navigate their surroundings.
• Visual field deficits: They may have difficulty seeing objects or people in certain areas of their visual field.
• Sensitivity to light: Children with CVI might be sensitive to bright lights or exhibit discomfort in visually busy environments.
• Lack of visual attention: They may appear disinterested in visually stimulating objects or need help to sustain visual attention.

These symptoms may overlap with other developmental or visual conditions. Consulting with a healthcare professional specializing in visual impairments can help caregivers confirm the presence of CVI and guide further evaluation and treatment.

Recognizing CVI

Recognizing CVI in your child can be challenging, especially in its early stages. However, some key indicators can help identify whether your child may be experiencing CVI:

• Unusual visual behaviors: Look for atypical observable behaviors such as unusual eye movements, gaze preference or a lack of response to visual stimuli.
• Inconsistent visual abilities: Notice if your child’s visual skills fluctuate or vary in different environments or lighting conditions.
• Difficulty with visual tasks: Observe if your child struggles with tasks that require optical recognition, such as identifying colors, objects or people.

Understanding the underlying cause of your child’s behaviors is crucial for providing appropriate support, even if these behaviors are difficult to comprehend.

What are sensory processing disorders?

Sensory processing disorders (SPD) refer to medical conditions in which the brain does not process sensory information from the environment in a typical way. While most of us can filter and interpret sensory stimuli effectively, individuals with SPD may struggle with sensory integration, leading to sensory overload or sensory-seeking behaviors.

Common symptoms

Symptoms of SPD can manifest differently in each individual, but some common signs to look out for include:

• Sensory sensitivity: Children with SPD may exhibit extreme reactions to sensory stimuli, such as becoming overwhelmed by certain sounds, textures, tastes or smells.
• Sensory seeking: Some individuals with SPD actively seek out intense sensory experiences, such as spinning, rocking or seeking deep pressure.
• Poor sensory discrimination: Difficulties distinguishing between different sensations or interpreting sensory input accurately may be observed in individuals with SPD.
• Motor coordination issues: SPD can affect motor skills, leading to challenges with fine motor tasks, balance or coordination.

It’s important to note that these symptoms can vary in intensity and presentation among individuals with SPD. Attending to your child’s specific needs and consulting with an experienced healthcare professional can help you identify the condition and create a plan for long-term management.

Recognizing SPD

Recognizing SPD in your child can be challenging, as the symptoms may overlap with other conditions or developmental challenges. However, some indicators that may suggest the presence of SPD include:

• Consistent behavioral patterns: Notice if your child consistently exhibits extreme reactions to certain sensory stimuli or engages in repetitive sensory-seeking behaviors.
• Difficulty with transitions: Individuals with SPD may struggle with transitioning between activities or environments due to sensory overload.
• Challenges in social situations: Difficulty socializing or participating in group activities may be attributed to difficulties processing sensory information.

If you suspect your child may have SPD, seeking professional evaluation from an occupational therapist or developmental specialist can provide a clearer understanding of their sensory processing difficulties.

Comorbidities and related conditions

SPD can often coexist with other conditions or may be associated with specific developmental challenges. Some commonly observed comorbidities or related disorders include:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): Many individuals with ASD experience sensory processing difficulties. The sensory challenges in ASD can significantly impact daily functioning and contribute to behavioral and social problems.
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Children with ADHD may struggle with regulating their responses to sensory input or have heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli.
• Anxiety disorders: Sensory processing difficulties may be linked to increased anxiety levels in some individuals.

Understanding the potential comorbidities and related conditions associated with SPD in your child is crucial for comprehensive evaluation and treatment planning.

Understanding the relationship between SPD and CVI

CVI and SPD are closely interconnected, as both conditions involve difficulties in processing and integrating sensory information. Understanding this relationship can provide caregivers with valuable insights into how to support children who experience both CVI and SPD.

Sensory integration

Sensory integration is when the brain takes in information from the body’s senses and uses it to respond appropriately. In the case of CVI, the brain’s capacity for efficient sensory integration may be compromised. When multiple senses are being activated simultaneously, such as in visually busy or overstimulating environments, relying on vision can become challenging or even impossible for children with CVI.

Due to these challenges, CVI meltdowns can occur when a child experiences sensory overload or becomes overwhelmed by abundant sensory stimuli. These meltdowns are intense reactions triggered by the brain’s inability to process and manage unfamiliar situations. The child may become distressed, exhibit challenging behaviors or withdraw in an attempt to cope with the overwhelming sensory input.

Parents and caregivers need to understand that these meltdowns are not deliberate but rather a manifestation of the child’s sensory challenges. Creating a calm and predictable environment, providing sensory breaks, and offering support during overwhelming situations can help you prevent or minimize the occurrence of CVI meltdowns.

Treating SPD and CVI

It is important to take a comprehensive approach to effectively treat sensory processing disorders and cortical visual impairment. Being aware of the appropriate treatments for each condition can help parents and caregivers provide optimal support for a child’s sensory and visual requirements.

Treating CVI

In the case of CVI, collaborative assessments are crucial for determining the most effective treatment strategies. These assessments involve a multidisciplinary team of professionals who specialize in CVI. Here are some critical components of a comprehensive CVI evaluation:

• CVI comprehensive evaluation: Assesses the child’s visual abilities and identifies specific visual impairments. This includes detailed observations of the child’s responses to visual stimuli, evaluation of visual fields, and assessment of visual acuity. The results of this evaluation help determine the child’s functional vision and guide intervention planning.
• Ocular functional assessment: The process aims to evaluate and enhance a child’s visual health and abilities, including checking for eye structure and health, testing vision clarity and identifying any ocular irregularities that can affect eyesight. A teacher of the visually impaired, with expertise in CVI, usually performs the assessment.
• Orientation and mobility evaluation: A specialist assesses the child’s ability to navigate and move within their environment. This evaluation helps determine spatial awareness, balance or mobility challenges that may impact a child’s independence and safety.
• Therapy evaluation: It is best to contact an occupational to assess the child’s overall motor skills, sensory processing and adaptive abilities. This evaluation helps identify specific areas of concern and guides the development of a tailored therapy plan.
• Clinical ocular testing: Specialized assessments are performed by an eye doctor to obtain detailed information about a child’s visual abilities and to determine if they need glasses.

To create an effective treatment plan for CVI, it is vital to have a thorough understanding of the child’s vision loss, abilities and needs. The main aim of the treatment plan is to enhance functional vision and optimize learning opportunities by implementing individualized supportive strategies and interventions.

Treating SPD

When treating sensory processing disorders (SPD), caregivers typically use a combination of therapies to address the challenges associated with sensory integration. These therapies aim to improve sensory processing and help individuals effectively manage sensory input. Here are some commonly used treatments for SPD:

• Physical therapy for sensory integration: Focuses on enhancing motor skills, coordination and body awareness. Physical therapists can help individuals develop better sensory integration, balance and overall movement control through specific exercises and activities.
• Vision therapy: This specialized form of therapy targets visual processing skills and aims to improve visual perception and coordination. Contacting a visual therapist can help strengthen visual skills, such as eye tracking, visual discrimination and depth perception.
• Listening therapy: This therapy utilizes specific sounds to stimulate the auditory system to enhance auditory processing and sensitivity. As a result, the treatment can have a beneficial effect on sensory integration.
• Psychotherapy: Connecting with a therapist can benefit individuals with SPD who experience emotional or behavioral challenges due to sensory difficulties. Through counseling and therapy sessions, patients can learn coping strategies, emotional regulation techniques and self-care strategies to better manage sensory overload and navigate daily life.
• Speech and language therapy: Focuses on improving communication skills and language development in individuals with SPD. Therapists work on enhancing speech articulation, receptive and expressive language abilities, and social communication skills, which can be affected by sensory processing difficulties. Booking a speech therapist is a great way to address any communication issues related to sensory processing.

By incorporating these therapies into a comprehensive treatment plan, individuals with SPD can develop effective strategies to navigate sensory experiences and improve their overall quality of life.

Adaptations and accommodations

Adapting to the environment and providing appropriate accommodations is essential for caregivers who are supporting individuals with cortical visual impairment and sensory processing disorders. These adjustments help create a sensory-friendly space that promotes well-being and reduces sensory overload.

Below are some examples of individual adaptations and accommodations for each specific condition. The techniques mentioned are only intended to give a basic understanding of the accommodations commonly used by individuals with CVI. So it is imperative to obtain a professional assessment to correctly identify the most suitable accommodations for each individual.

CVI adaptations and accommodations

When it comes to cortical visual impairment, implementing adaptations and accommodations can greatly support individuals in maximizing their visual functioning and overall well-being. Here are some strategies that may be helpful:

• Provide visual support: Use large, clear fonts for written materials and provide visual aids, such as pictures or symbols, to aid in understanding.
• Reduce visual clutter: Minimize distractions and simplify visual environments by organizing and decluttering spaces. Use consistent and clear layouts for visual displays to improve visual processing.
• Use lighting effectively: Optimize lighting conditions by reducing glare and providing appropriate lighting levels. Use natural lighting when possible and provide dark space to create contrast.
• Provide additional time: Allow individuals with CVI more time to process visual information. Offer extended time for tasks and provide breaks to reduce visual fatigue.

Remember, these strategies serve as general suggestions, and the specific accommodations needed may vary based on individual needs.

SPD adaptations and accommodations

When it comes to sensory processing disorders, creating a sensory-friendly environment and implementing adaptations and accommodations can significantly support individuals in managing sensory challenges.

In general

When managing SPDs, various strategies can be helpful to individuals in home and school settings. Here are some general approaches that can support individuals with SPD:

• Maintaining routines: Consistent routines provide a sense of predictability and stability, which can help individuals with SPD feel more secure and grounded. Stick to regular schedules for meals, bedtime and transitions between activities.
• Be clear and consistent with rules and consequences: Establish clear rules and expectations, and ensure the results are consistent and logical. This helps individuals with SPD understand boundaries and promotes a sense of order and structure.
• Have a designated safe space for breaks and cool downs: Designate a quiet and comfortable area where individuals with SPD can retreat when they need a break. This space should have calming sensory tools, such as comfortable seating and fidget toys.

These accommodations can help individuals with SPD manage their sensory experiences and regulate responses to environmental stimuli.

At home

Creating a sensory-friendly environment at home is crucial for individuals with SPD to thrive. Here are some strategies that can be implemented:

• Create a sensory room: Designate a specific room or area where your child can engage in sensory activities and find comfort. Fill this space with calming sensory tools, such as weighted blankets, sensory swings, stress balls or textured surfaces.
• Managing visual sensitivity: Use dimmer switches or adjustable lighting to control the intensity of lighting. Curtains or blinds can help regulate natural light. You can also provide sunglasses or hats with brims to shield the eyes from bright sunlight.
• Managing hearing sensitivity: Reduce background noise using sound-absorbing materials or adding carpets and rugs. Provide noise-canceling headphones or ear defenders to help reduce auditory input in noisy environments.
• Managing touch sensitivity: Offer a variety of textures and fabrics for your child to explore and interact with. Provide soft or weighted blankets, textured toys or pressure garments for comforting tactile sensations.
• Managing taste sensitivity: Be mindful of your child’s dietary preferences and sensitivities. Offer a variety of foods with different textures and flavors to encourage exploration and acceptance of different foods.
• Managing smell sensitivity: Use unscented or natural cleaning products and detergents to minimize strong odors in the environment. Avoid wearing heavily scented perfumes or using air fresheners that may be overwhelming.

Familiarizing and adapting to the environment to best support an individual’s sensory needs can help them to feel safe, secure and confident. Creating a sensory-friendly home environment is essential for individuals with SPD to thrive.

At school

A supportive environment at school is essential for individuals with SPD to succeed academically and socially. Here are some strategies that can be implemented:

• Flexible work areas and seating options: Allow for flexible seating arrangements, such as using stable balls or wiggle cushions, to accommodate the need for movement and provide sensory input during learning tasks.
• Movement breaks: Incorporate regular movement breaks into the daily schedule to allow individuals with SPD to release excess energy and regulate their sensory systems. These breaks can include stretching, jumping or engaging in calming activities.
• Sensory toys and tools: Give your children access to sensory toys and tools, such as textured objects, to help them self-regulate and maintain focus during classroom activities.

Parents and educators can create a supportive environment for individuals with SPD by using these strategies at home and school. This helps promote their sensory well-being, learning and social interactions.

Need a doctor? Find one on Zocdoc.