P185 – 2567: Problems in orientation and mobility in children with CVI

Abstract

Objective Children with CVI (Cerebral Visual Impairment) often have difficulties in orientation and mobility. We want to look for solutions. Better orientation and mobility will help those children to grow up more independently. Methods The problems in orientation and mobility are listed up carefully. We look at different age groups, starting from babies unto adolescents. They always have a major impact on the functioning in daily life of these children. This research focuses on children without major motor co-morbidity. Some children with CVI have cerebral palsy (CP). Children with CP are excluded, since their problems in mobility are linked to both, CP and CVI. Results Orientation and mobility may be strongly disturbed in children with CVI. The difficulties these children report differ from age to age. For every problem, we look for an appropriate answer. Some examples are listed in this abstract. Babies fear unknown, busy environment. They tend to move less. Their motor development is delayed as seen in other blind and severely visually impaired children. The motor development and early stimulation has been described in a poster on this subject by our group presented in EPNS 2013 in Brussels. Toddlers are afraid on the playground. In primary school children have difficulties finding their way to the classroom. Going to secondary school gives most problems. The schools are larger. Children have to switch classrooms more often. Social pressure of the peer group becomes harder. In this paper we list the different problems in a systematic way. We look for tips and tricks based on our experience and knowledge on mobility and orientation in blind and severely visual impaired children. Conclusion In this session we will give an overview of the problems in orientation and mobility in children with CVI and an answer to these problems.