Blindism
Encyclopedia
Blindisms are stereotyped behaviors sometimes found in visually impaired
toddlers or children. Blindism behaviors range from body rocking, head swaying, eye rubbing, head banging, spinning to finger flicking. These behaviors are repetitive and serve no specific goals, but can calm or soothe children if they are distressed.
or social isolation by other children. Additionally, the skin around the eye may discolor and become callus-like
due to constant poking and rubbing.
s. The parents should also be included in such programs together with their visually impaired
children as most parents are unaware of techniques used to teach visually impaired children.
Blindness
Blindness is the condition of lacking visual perception due to physiological or neurological factors.Various scales have been developed to describe the extent of vision loss and define blindness...
toddlers or children. Blindism behaviors range from body rocking, head swaying, eye rubbing, head banging, spinning to finger flicking. These behaviors are repetitive and serve no specific goals, but can calm or soothe children if they are distressed.
Causes
Causes of blindisms include- The inadequacy of sensory stimulationSenseSenses are physiological capacities of organisms that provide inputs for perception. The senses and their operation, classification, and theory are overlapping topics studied by a variety of fields, most notably neuroscience, cognitive psychology , and philosophy of perception...
causes the child to seek stimulation using his own body - Social deprivation due to limited interaction with other people
- Limited physical and motor activity as the child cannot easily move to another place and change his environment to satisfy the basic need for movement and physical activity
- Lack of ability to imitate and learn socially acceptable behaviors
Effects
Blindisms can lead to serious consequences if not corrected. Children displaying blindism behaviors may experience teasingTeasing
Teasing is a word with many meanings. In human interactions, teasing comes in two major forms, playful and hurtful. When teasing is playful and friendly, and especially when it is reciprocal, teasing can be regarded as flirting. People may be teased on such matters as their appearance, weight,...
or social isolation by other children. Additionally, the skin around the eye may discolor and become callus-like
Callus
A callus is an especially toughened area of skin which has become relatively thick and hard in response to repeated friction, pressure, or other irritation. Rubbing that is too frequent or forceful will cause blisters rather than allow calluses to form. Since repeated contact is required, calluses...
due to constant poking and rubbing.
Prevention
Early intervention may be helpful in preventing children from displaying blindism behaviors. A qualified teacher should arrange an early education program to help develop accurate and effective use of the child's senseSense
Senses are physiological capacities of organisms that provide inputs for perception. The senses and their operation, classification, and theory are overlapping topics studied by a variety of fields, most notably neuroscience, cognitive psychology , and philosophy of perception...
s. The parents should also be included in such programs together with their visually impaired
Blindness
Blindness is the condition of lacking visual perception due to physiological or neurological factors.Various scales have been developed to describe the extent of vision loss and define blindness...
children as most parents are unaware of techniques used to teach visually impaired children.