As practitioners dedicated to creating the best outcomes for children, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest research and how it can be applied to our practice. The study "Bridging the Gap: Parent and Child Perspectives of Living With Cerebral Visual Impairments" provides valuable insights that can significantly improve the support we offer to children with Cerebral Visual Impairments (CVI).
The study, conducted through qualitative interviews with 20 families, including eight children and young people, revealed four key themes: Assessment and understanding implications of CVI, Education, Family life, and Psychological wellbeing and quality of life. Here, we will discuss how you can implement these findings to enhance your practice.
1. Assessment and Understanding Implications of CVI
- Recognition of CVI: Ensure that CVI is recognized as a diagnosable condition by all professionals involved. This recognition is crucial for accessing the necessary support.
- Professional Knowledge: Educate yourself and your colleagues about the neurological aspects of CVI to provide comprehensive support. Parents often report that many professionals lack understanding of CVI.
- Early Screening: Implement early screening for CVI, especially in children with additional diagnoses like autism, to ensure timely and appropriate interventions.
2. Education
- Knowledge and Training: Advocate for training programs for teachers and school staff to understand CVI and its impact on learning. Ensure that visual needs assessments are prioritized in evaluating support needs.
- Individualized Adaptations: Work with schools to create individualized adaptations that cater to each child's unique needs. This could include decluttering workspaces, using specific fonts, and providing time-out spaces.
- Parental Involvement: Encourage parents to actively participate in their child's education by providing them with resources and opportunities to educate school staff about CVI.
3. Family Life
- Comprehensive Information: Provide families with detailed information about CVI and its impact on various aspects of life. This can include leaflets, videos, and online resources.
- Home Adaptations: Suggest practical home adaptations to make daily life easier for children with CVI, such as using location stickers, creating sensory rooms, and making physical changes to the home environment.
- Community Support: Help families connect with local support groups and services that can provide additional assistance and resources.
4. Psychological Wellbeing and Quality of Life
- Reducing Anxiety: Understand the sources of anxiety for children with CVI and implement strategies to reduce stress, such as providing defined spaces for activities and recognizing signs of overwhelm.
- Increasing Social Inclusion: Facilitate social activities that include children with CVI and ensure they have the support needed to participate fully.
- Boosting Self-Esteem: Focus on building self-esteem by ensuring children feel understood and accepted. Avoid misinterpreting their behaviors as negative traits.
By incorporating these findings into your practice, you can significantly enhance the support provided to children with CVI, helping them to reach their full potential.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Bridging the Gap: Parent and Child Perspectives of Living With Cerebral Visual Impairments.
