How sensory impairment can influence a childs development

Even though, according to the DfE 8 , children with visual impairments account for a relatively modest 1. For example, the graphic below quantifies the typical range and variety of impairments among children served by specialist local authority services:. Range of visual impairment Data from Keil and Clunies-Ross 9 Clearly, the presence of other disabilities renders assessment more complex, and sometimes results in substantial visual needs losing priority, or perhaps being overlooked altogether.

Request a copy of your free Wesco Catalogue. You must be logged in to post a comment Login. You must be logged in to post a comment. First Discoverers is a unique independent childcare resource. It is an incredible resource for anyone who works in childcare and wishes to further their knowledge, or simply anyone wishing to learn more about the children around them.

If the criteria for certification are met then a child can then be registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired although the registration process is voluntary. Indicators of this may include:. In some cases, health and safety reasons may necessitate additional adult support for physically disabled pupils to access the National Curriculum.

Statutory assessment will often be requested at an early years level through the Early years process. In some medical conditions, there may be reports from specialist professionals, for example oncology nurse, clinical psychologist or specialist consultant. Fast tracking in the process-based system can occur in rare circumstances, for example, if an accident has led to a long-lasting physical disability or medical condition.

Note must be taken of the appropriate time to discuss this with parents and young person, if appropriate , due to the emotional anguish that they will be undergoing and possible uncertainties around prognosis. If the life expectancy of a pupil is affected by the medical condition, any emotional trauma must be considered in relation to the appropriateness of seeking support through an assessment of SEN. Skip to content Accessibility Audio visual tools Login.

Wigan Council Search Search. Browser does not support script. For medical definitions see EHC Criteria below. Vision Loss Visual impairment is an eye condition that cannot be fully corrected by glasses or contact lenses The levels of vision are mild, moderate, severe or profound.

Multisensory Impairment Multisensory impairment occurs when there is a hearing loss and visual impairment, which are both educationally significant although they may be at different levels. Sensory Processing Difficulty Our bodies and the environment send our brain information through our senses. We process and organise this information so that we feel comfortable and secure.

The first happens when there is a fault in the inner ear — usually in the cochlea. The level of hearing loss may be described as mild, moderate, severe or profound and may not be the same in each ear, with only a few children totally deaf.

Amplification of residual hearing may be made possible with a hearing aid. The more profound the hearing loss, the greater the likelihood that the child will be given a cochlear implant, which allows electrical signals to be sent directly to the auditory nerve, providing a sensation of hearing.

The second type happens when sounds fail to pass efficiently through the outer and middle ear to the cochlea and auditory nerve. A conductive loss is likely to fluctuate and be temporary. It is often treated by inserting grommets into the eardrum: ventilation tubes which allow fresh air to enter the middle ear to keep it free of fluid.

Supporting assessment Most children with a significant sensorineural hearing loss will have been identified before they enter an early years setting. Other children, particularly those with a fluctuating conductive loss, may not. Look out for the following signs in children:. The child may use sign language, speech or a combination of the two. Unless steps are taken to help the child feel confident in social situations, they are likely to be withdrawn — remaining on the edge of groups of children or preferring a one-to-one activity with an adult.

How can we help? Secondly, a child with a significant hearing loss is likely to be having regular input from a specialist teacher or support assistant. It is important to make time to seek their advice. The majority of children with a visual impairment still have some vision — only five per cent are totally blind. Most blind or partially sighted children have their sight problem from birth, though a small number lose their sight later in life following illness or an accident.

Supporting assessment Most children with a marked visual impairment will arrive in nursery with their condition already diagnosed. Developmental impact Since 80 per cent of communication is non-verbal, the young child with impaired vision is at a huge disadvantage when developing interpersonal skills. These children cannot learn by watching, only by doing.