Authors
Pamela Friede, Sandra Julsen Hollung, Torstein Vik, Guro Lillemoen Andersen, David Lansing Cameron, Sigrid Aune de Rodez, Olav H. Haugen, Tonje Lundervold, Jude Nicholas & Kristine Stadskleiv
Abstract
Aim
Cerebral visual impairment (CVI), a frequently occurring functional impairment in children with neurodevelopmental disorders, leads to communicative, social and academic challenges. In Norway, children with neurodevelopmental disorders are assessed at paediatric habilitation centres. Our aims were to explore how CVI is identified, how paediatric habilitation centres assess their CVI competence and the reported prevalence of CVI among children with cerebral palsy.
Methods
An electronic questionnaire was sent to all 19 Norwegian paediatric habilitation centre leaders in January 2022. The results were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. The prevalence of CVI among children with cerebral palsy was estimated using register-based data.
Results
The questionnaire was answered by 17. Only three judged their habilitation centre as having sufficient competence on CVI. None of the centres used screening questionnaires systematically, and 11 reported that CVI assessment was not good enough. Awareness that a child may have CVI typically occurred during examinations for other diagnoses. The prevalence of CVI among children with cerebral palsy was only 8%, while CVI status was unknown in 33%.
Conclusion
Better knowledge and assessment of CVI at Norwegian paediatric habilitation centres are needed. CVI appears to be often overlooked in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.