Original Research
Language and communication development in preschool children with visual impairment: A systematic review
Submitted: 04 February 2015 | Published: 16 October 2015
About the author(s)
Renata Mosca, Department of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa, South AfricaAlta Kritzinger, Department of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa, South Africa
Jeannie van der Linde, Department of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa, South Africa
Abstract
Method: A systematic search of the literature (2003–2013) was completed using the PRISMA guidelines, and primary and secondary search phrases. Nine publications were reviewed in terms of the strength of recent evidence. Thematic analysis was used to describe the early language and communication characteristics of children with VI.
Results: All the selected articles (n = 9) were from developed countries and participants from seven of the studies had congenital VI. Five of the studies received an evidence level rating of III while four articles were rated as IIb. Two main themes emerged from the studies: early intervention, and multiple disabilities and ASD. Language and communication development is affected by VI, especially in the early stages of development. Speech-language therapists should therefore be included in early intervention for children with VI.
Conclusion: Recent evidence on the early language and communication difficulties of children with VI exists, but children in developing countries with acquired VI appear to not be investigated. The identified language and communication developmental characteristics may assist speech-language therapists to build a knowledge base for participation in early intervention for young children with VI and their families.
Keywords
Metrics
Total abstract views: 10487Total article views: 8489
Crossref Citations
1. The relationship between symptoms of autism spectrum disorder and visual impairment among adults with intellectual disability
Reza Kiani, Sabyasachy Bhaumik, Freya Tyrer, John Bankart, Helen Miller, Sally Ann Cooper, Traolach Sean Brugha
Autism Research vol: 12 issue: 9 first page: 1411 year: 2019
doi: 10.1002/aur.2138