ABSTRACT
Limited evidence exists on the impact of cerebral visual impairment (CVI) on developmental domains in toddlers. This study investigated whether CVI influences social skills and sensory processing in toddlers with cerebral palsy (CP). The study included toddlers with CP, with or without CVI, and typically developing (TD) toddlers. All parents completed the demographic information form. Social skills were assessed by the Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA). Sensory processing was evaluated by the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile (ITSP). Analysis of covariance was employed to assess the disparity in BITSEA and ITSP scores. Toddlers with CP and CVI group demonstrated lower social competence than the other groups (p < .05). Having CVI did not cause a statistically significant difference in sensory processing among toddlers with CP (p > .05). CVI significantly affects social competence in toddlers with CP but does not affect sensory processing.
Understanding How Vision Impacts Social Skills and Sensory Processing in Toddlers with Cerebral PalsyCerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong condition that affects a child's ability to control their muscles and movements. It occurs due to damage or abnormalities in the brain that happen before, during, or shortly after birth. This condition can affect various aspects of daily life, including walking, feeding, and dressing. It often leads to challenges in physical skills and may be accompanied by difficulties in sensory, cognitive, and social functions. One of the accompanying difficulties is cerebral visual impairment (CVI), a common challenge for these children that affects their vision without apparent eye problems. As vision is crucial for social development, children with CVI may experience socio-visual deprivation, leading to cognitive deficits and behavioral difficulties. This study explores how vision influences the social and sensory abilities of toddlers with CP. We compared 66 toddlers: 22 with CP and CVI, 22 with CP without CVI, and 22 typically developing toddlers. The findings reveal that toddlers with CP and CVI group demonstrated lower social competence than the other groups. However, the presence of CVI did not cause difference in sensory processing among toddlers with CP. Understanding the impact of CVI on social and sensory skills is crucial for developing tailored therapy interventions for toddlers with CP. This research sheds light on the intricate relationship between vision and social competence, emphasizing the need for targeted support for these children. By recognizing and addressing these challenges early on, we can enhance the overall well-being and development of toddlers with CP.
ABSTRACT
The current study aimed to examine the relationship between sensory processing skills and feeding behavior in cerebral palsy (CP) children aged 3-6 years with cerebral visual impairment (CVI). A total of ninety mothers participated in the study in three groups: thirty mothers of children with CP with CVI, thirty mothers of children with CP without CVI, and thirty mothers of children with typical development (TD). The sensory processing skill of the children was evaluated with the Sensory Profile (SP), and feeding behavior was evaluated with the the Behavioral Pediatric Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS). In the triple comparison, a significant difference was found between the groups in all SP parameter and BPFAS scores (p < 0.001). Post hoc analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the groups in all parameters (p < 0.001). Feeding problems were detected in 65% of all groups. In the correlation analysis, a significant relationship was found between all parameters of the SP and the BPFAS (p < 0.05). In terms of sensory processing skills and feeding status, it was determined that children with CVI with CP had more problems than children with CP without CVI, and children with CP without CVI had more problems than children with TD. With these results, it was concluded that sensory processing problems affect feeding status, and visual impairment causes both sensory problems and feeding problems.
ABSTRACT
Cortical vision impairment (CVI) and Cerebral Palsy (CP) lead to decrement in sensory and motor functions of infants. The current study examined the effectiveness of sensory integration interventions on sensory, motor, and oculomotor skills in infants with cortical vision impairment. Thirty-four infants with and CP aged 12−18 months were enrolled to the study. The infants were randomly divided into two groups as the control and intervention groups. The intervention group took sensory integration intervention 2 days a week for 8 weeks in addition to conventional physiotherapy 2 days a week for 8 weeks. The control group only received the conventional physiotherapy program 2 days a week for 8 weeks. The duration of the treatment sessions were 45 min for both interventions. Before and after the intervention, sensory processing functions were evaluated with the Test of Sensory Functions in Infants (TSFI), and motor functions were evaluated with the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). There was a statistically significant difference between the pre- and post-test mean TSFI total and AIMS scores in the intervention group and control group (p < 0.001). The intervention group mean TSFI scores were more statistically significant than the those of the control group. Mean post-intervention AIMS scores did not differ between groups. Sensory integration intervention delivered with the conventional physiotherapy program was more effective than the conventional physiotherapy program in increasing sensory processing skills in one measure in infants with CVI and CP.
