The Child with Cerebral Palsy and Visual Impairment

In recent years, there has been growing evidence in literature reporting the impact visual impairment has on the everyday functioning skills of children with cerebral palsy. Visual impairment may indeed be present at different levels of severity, and its addition compromises significantly the child’s neurodevelopment. A recent systematic review indicated that, according to the World Health Organization’s International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10), one child in ten with cerebral palsy has some form of severe visual impairment or blindness. The central role of vision in the child’s growth is highlighted here as well as the definition of visual impairment and its main characteristics in the child with cerebral palsy. The peculiarities of children with cerebral palsy and visual impairment are considered here in order to determine how the therapist may contribute significantly to their development and the quality of their daily life when a comprehensive and nurturing approach is adopted. Steps from assessment to care and intervention are illustrated, always emphasizing the distinctiveness of each and every child and the importance of a relational approach and of continuous attention to the child and to the family. Furthermore, the role of an enriched and visually facilitating environment is discussed as well as the importance of posture in promoting visual function. An overview on rehabilitative tools is finally considered, focusing on their application in the support and rehabilitation of children with visual impairment and multiple disabilities.