When Autism Spectrum Disorder is Associated with Blindness : Diagnostic Challenges and Management (Case Report)

Abstract

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. The ADI-R and ADOS can be used to confirm ASD. These tools have not been tested in a non-sighted population.
 Through our clinical case, we highlight the clinical and therapeutic complexity of visually impaired children with ASD.
 Case report: A., 4 years and 7 months old, was admitted to the department for a diagnostic evaluation of a communication and language disorder concomitant with congenital blindness. At birth, bilateral anophthalmia was diagnosed. The complete pediatric evaluation was normal.
 After profound clinical observation, the diagnosis of ASD in comorbidity with congenital blindness was retained. The management was multidisciplinary.
 Discussion: ASD is the most clinically noted and scientifically studied disorder in visually impaired children. Specialists find difficulties in differentiating between the original developmental symptoms of visually impaired children and the symptoms relevant to ASD.
 Diagnostic investigation has been based on clinical observation. Several authors have demonstrated that careful observation can differentiate social interaction disorders caused by blindness from those of ASD.
 The treatment of children with ASD is essentially based on visual access to information, not adapted to ASD children with blindness.
 Conclusion: Blindness associated with ASD is a dual handicap. Validation of diagnostic instruments for ASD, developing appropriate therapeutic interventions for these patients are crucial.