The relation between visual orienting functions, daily visual behaviour and visuoperceptual performance in children with (suspected) cerebral visual impairment

• Published in: Research in developmental disabilities Vol. 119; p. 104092
• Main Authors: Ben Itzhak, N., Kooiker, M.J.G., van der Steen, J., Pel, J.J.M., Wagemans, J., Ortibus, E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2021
• Subjects: Cerebral visual impairment; Remote eye tracking; Visual orienting functions; Visual perception; Visual orienting functions; Cerebral visual impairment; Remote eye tracking; Visual perception
• ISSN: 0891-4222; 1873-3379
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104092

•Better object and face processing was related to faster orienting responses.•Higher visual interest was related to faster orienting responses to visual stimuli.•Better visual spatial perception was related to faster orienting to visual stimuli.•Better object and scene recognition was related to faster orienting responses.•Integrating visual orienting into a child’s perceptual profile adds clinical value. Children with cerebral visual impairment (CVI) present heterogeneous visual orienting functions (VOF) and higher-order perception. Multiple assessment methods evaluate CVI, but the relations between them remain unclear. To investigate the relations between VOF and (1) daily life behaviour and (2) visuoperceptual tests in children with (suspected) CVI. VOF were tested with a validated eye tracking-based paradigm. Visual perception was assessed using the children’s visual impairment test for 3- to 6-year olds (CVIT 3-6) and (retrospective) visuoperceptual dimension results. Caregivers completed the Flemish cerebral visual impairment questionnaire (FCVIQ) and an expert panel scored relations between VOF and the other methods. We compared experts’ survey responses with data-based results (linear mixed models and correlations). Fourty-four children (23 boys, 21 girls; median age = 7y11mo, SD = 2y7mo) participated. Twenty-one experts completed the survey. Slower VOF was significantly associated with (1) object and face processing impairments, (2) visual (dis)interest, (3) worse visual spatial perception (to local motion and form stimuli), and (4) worse CVIT 3-6 object and scene recognition (to cartoon stimuli). Integration of VOF with existing visual assessments provides a better clinical picture of CVI and can prevent misdiagnosing children as inattentive, incapable, or unmotivated.