Childhood vision impairment, hearing loss and co-occurring autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Background Limited population-based data on prevalence of childhood vision impairment (VI) and hearing loss (HL), and their co-occurrence with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exists. Objective To examine prevalence and characteristics of VI, HL and co-occurring ASD among 8-year-olds in metropolitan Atlanta 2000–2008. Methods We used data from the population-based Metropolitan Atlanta Developmental Disabilities Surveillance Program. Prevalence, birth and parental characteristics, presence and severity of other co-occurring developmental disabilities, and age of earliest identification of ASD, were examined for children with VI and HL, by co-occurring ASD. Results VI and HL prevalences were 1.2 and 1.3 per 1000 8-year-olds, respectively. Approximately 6–7% of children with VI or HL had co-occurring ASD. Children with VI or HL with co-occurring ASD differed from those without co-occurring ASD by select birth characteristics and the presence of other co-occurring DDs. The median age of earliest known ASD diagnosis was significantly later among children with VI and ASD compared to children with ASD without VI (79 vs. 56 months). Children with HL and ASD were first evaluated by a community provider significantly earlier than those with ASD without HL (40 vs. 50 months). Conclusions The frequency of co-occurring ASD with VI and HL is higher than the population prevalence of ASD. The significant delays in diagnosis of ASD in children with VI and lack of earlier diagnosis of ASD among children with HL despite earlier evaluation highlight the importance of developing screening tools for early identification of ASD among children with VI and HL.

Appropriateness of Using Autism Spectrum Disorders Screening Tools in a Hearing Evaluation Service

“…These studies confirm the existence of a greater ASD risk in hearing-impaired subjects [7,8,32,39,40], suggesting that the social interaction difficulties suffered by these people are even worse because of sensory deprivation [8]. This situation underlines the need to identify cases earlier because these subjects require different and additional care [40]. Some studies suggest that there is a greater risk of middle ear problems in ASD subjects [8,42].…”

“…We have found some studies that address the comorbidity of ASD and deafness [7,8,32,40,41], which was detected in a small portion of the sample in the present study. These studies confirm the existence of a greater ASD risk in hearing-impaired subjects [7,8,32,39,40], suggesting that the social interaction difficulties suffered by these people are even worse because of sensory deprivation [8].…”

“…Similarly, Kancherla et al [40] state that the early detection of hearing loss provide a significant opportunity for the early detection of ASD, although they emphasize the need for improved diagnostic tools and increased information to facilitate appropriate referrals. …”

“…Furthermore, they were capable of identifying deaf children at risk for ASDs, indicating the presence of a possible comorbidity; this result agrees with the finding of Szymanski et al [32] that there are no differences in autistic behavior exhibited by deaf and hearing children. However, some studies have identified difficulties with the diagnosis of ASDs in deaf children due to the lack of specific tools for this purpose and because there is a need for greater awareness by health professionals about this problem [32,40]. …”

Information and Communication Technologies Accessibility Issues Faced by Visual Impaired Persons.

“…Different research studies showed that when disabled adults seek that analogue assistive technologies, such as examination aid, prostheses and wheelchairs, come to symbolise an identity that marks them as different, they reject the assistive technology [5,6]. While these studies indicated that the use of analogue assistive technologies by adults the research was focused on young people amalgamation of information and communication technologies and ICT assistive technology in order to show which technology transmits the most significant symbols in their daily lives [7,8]. The important objective of the visual assistive technology for computer and other technologies have provided best possible vision improvement or sight exchange device.…”