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Morelli F, Toni F, Saligari E, D'Abrusco F, Serpieri V, Ballante E, Ruberto G, Borgatti R, Valente EM, Signorini S. Visual function in children with Joubert syndrome. Dev Med Child Neurol 2024; 66:379-388. [PMID: 37593819 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
AIM To describe visual function in children with Joubert syndrome and to investigate its possible association with diagnostic and developmental aspects. METHOD This retrospective cross-sectional work included 59 patients (33 male; mean age 9 years 2 months, standard deviation 6 years 3 months, range 4 months to 23 years) diagnosed with Joubert syndrome from January 2002 to December 2020. Data about clinical (neurological, neuro-ophthalmological, developmental/cognitive) and diagnostic (e.g. genetic testing, neuroimaging, systemic involvement) evaluations were collected in a data set during a review of medical records. Clinical and diagnostic variables were described in terms of raw counts and percentages. A χ2 test was conducted to investigate their association with neuropsychological skills. RESULTS Ocular motor apraxia was highly represented in our cohort (75%), with a high prevalence of refractive defects and retinal abnormalities. Developmental delay/intellectual disability was frequent (in 69.5% of the sample), associated with retinal dystrophy (p = 0.047) and reduced visual acuity both for near (p = 0.014) and for far distances (p = 0.017). INTERPRETATION On the basis of the relevance of oculomotor and perceptual alterations and their impact on overall and cognitive impairment, we encourage early and multidisciplinary assessment and follow-up of visual function in children with Joubert syndrome. This would help in planning a personalized rehabilitation to sustain functional vision. Further studies will be important to explore the link between biological aspects and global functioning in children with Joubert syndrome. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS Perceptual deficits and oculomotor impairments frequently coexist in Joubert syndrome. Retinal dysfunction may be present despite the absence of funduscopic abnormalities. Both perceptual and oculomotor impairments negatively affect cognitive development in Joubert syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Morelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Developmental Neuro-ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Federico Toni
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Saligari
- Developmental Neuro-ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Fulvio D'Abrusco
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Elena Ballante
- Department of Political and Social Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- BioData Science Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulio Ruberto
- Developmental Neuro-ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Renato Borgatti
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Enza Maria Valente
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Neurogenetics Research Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sabrina Signorini
- Developmental Neuro-ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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Battistin T, Mercuriali E, Borghini C, Reffo ME, Suppiej A. Parental Satisfaction with the Quality of Care in an Early Intervention Service for Children with Visual Impairment: A Retrospective Longitudinal Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:230. [PMID: 38397342 PMCID: PMC10887141 DOI: 10.3390/children11020230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
The fundamental role of vision during development and the nurturing role of early intersubjectivity have enabled the Robert Hollman Foundation to develop an early intervention program providing holistic support to visually impaired children and their families, where fostering parent-infant interactions is at the heart of our care. The aim of this study is to understand how parents perceive this approach. It is an eleven-year retrospective study of children following the Robert Hollman Foundation's early intervention program, in which parents' (n = 1086) perceptions of quality of care were measured through the administration of a specifically designed 4-point scale questionnaire. Annual longitudinal trends of parents' perceptions were calculated for every single response. Parents reported a very high satisfaction value in 21/23 questions (Mean > 3.7 out of a maximum score of 4, with the highest scores in human and soft skills of professionals) with a statistically positive trend (p < 0.05), throughout the period considered. Our core approach, based on an individualized nurturing relational support, has been appreciated and confirmed by the high satisfaction reported in the questionnaires by parents of children with visual impairment. We therefore hypothesize that parent-infant relationship-based and individualized approaches may help parents achieve better health, well-being, and quality of daily life for their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Battistin
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Robert Hollman Foundation, 35143 Padova, Italy; (E.M.); (M.E.R.); (A.S.)
- Robert Hollman Foundation, 28821 Cannero Riviera, Italy
| | - Elena Mercuriali
- Robert Hollman Foundation, 35143 Padova, Italy; (E.M.); (M.E.R.); (A.S.)
- Robert Hollman Foundation, 28821 Cannero Riviera, Italy
| | - Carlotta Borghini
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy;
| | - Maria Eleonora Reffo
- Robert Hollman Foundation, 35143 Padova, Italy; (E.M.); (M.E.R.); (A.S.)
- Robert Hollman Foundation, 28821 Cannero Riviera, Italy
| | - Agnese Suppiej
- Robert Hollman Foundation, 35143 Padova, Italy; (E.M.); (M.E.R.); (A.S.)
- Robert Hollman Foundation, 28821 Cannero Riviera, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Murro V, Banfi S, Testa F, Iarossi G, Falsini B, Sodi A, Signorini S, Iolascon A, Russo R, Mucciolo DP, Caputo R, Bacci GM, Bargiacchi S, Turco S, Fortini S, Simonelli F. A multidisciplinary approach to inherited retinal dystrophies from diagnosis to initial care: a narrative review with inputs from clinical practice. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:223. [PMID: 37525225 PMCID: PMC10388566 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02798-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-syndromic inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) such as retinitis pigmentosa or Leber congenital amaurosis generally manifest between early childhood and late adolescence, imposing profound long-term impacts as a result of vision impairment or blindness. IRDs are highly heterogeneous, with often overlapping symptoms among different IRDs, and achieving a definite diagnosis is challenging. This narrative review provides a clinical overview of the non-syndromic generalized photoreceptor dystrophies, particularly retinitis pigmentosa and Leber congenital amaurosis. The clinical investigations and genetic testing needed to establish a diagnosis are outlined, and current management approaches are discussed, focusing on the importance of the involvement of an interdisciplinary team from diagnosis and initial care to long-term follow-up and support. RESULTS The effective management of IRDs requires a multidisciplinary, and ideally interdisciplinary, team of experts knowledgeable about IRDs, with experienced professionals from fields as diverse as ophthalmology, neuropsychiatry, psychology, neurology, genetics, orthoptics, developmental therapy, typhlology, occupational therapy, otolaryngology, and orientation and mobility specialties. Accurate clinical diagnosis encompasses a range of objective and subjective assessments as a prerequisite for the genetic testing essential in establishing an accurate diagnosis necessary for the effective management of IRDs, particularly in the era of gene therapies. Improvements in genome sequencing techniques, such as next-generation sequencing, have greatly facilitated the complex process of determining IRD-causing gene variants and establishing a molecular diagnosis. Genetic counseling is essential to help the individual and their family understand the condition, the potential risk for offspring, and the implications of a diagnosis on visual prognosis and treatment options. Psychological support for patients and caregivers is important at all stages of diagnosis, care, and rehabilitation and is an essential part of the multidisciplinary approach to managing IRDs. Effective communication throughout is essential, and the patient and caregivers' needs and expectations must be acknowledged and discussed. CONCLUSION As IRDs can present at an early age, clinicians need to be aware of the clinical signs suggesting visual impairment and follow up with multidisciplinary support for timely diagnoses to facilitate appropriate therapeutic or rehabilitation intervention to minimize vision loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Murro
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Eye Clinic, Careggi Teaching Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Sandro Banfi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Testa
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy.
| | - Giancarlo Iarossi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Falsini
- Ophthalmology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sodi
- Eye Clinic, Careggi Teaching Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Sabrina Signorini
- Center of Child Neuro-Ophthalmology, IRCCS, Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Achille Iolascon
- Medical Genetics Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Russo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
| | - Dario Pasquale Mucciolo
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Ophthalmology Unit, San Jacopo Hospital, Pistoia, Italy
| | - Roberto Caputo
- Pediatric Ophthalmology Unit, A. Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy
| | - Giacomo Maria Bacci
- Pediatric Ophthalmology Unit, A. Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Bargiacchi
- Medical Genetics Unit, Ospedale Pediatrico Meyer, Florence, Italy
| | - Simona Turco
- National Centre of Services and Research for the Prevention of Blindness and Rehabilitation of the Visually Impaired, International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness-IAPB Italy Onlus, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Fortini
- National Centre of Services and Research for the Prevention of Blindness and Rehabilitation of the Visually Impaired, International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness-IAPB Italy Onlus, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
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Morelli F, Balzarotti N, Guarischi M, Cappagli G, Maviglia A, Crepaldi M, Orciari L, Parmiggiani A, Catalano G, Signorini S, Gori M. A novel multisensory device for the assessment and rehabilitation of perceptual and attentional competencies. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2023; 2023:1-4. [PMID: 38083635 DOI: 10.1109/embc40787.2023.10340824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The present study aims to assess a novel technological device suitable for investigating perceptual and attentional competencies in people with or without sensory impairment. The TechPAD is a cabled system including embedded sensors and actuators to enable visual, auditory, and tactile interactions and a capacitive surface receiving inputs from the user. The system is conceived to create multisensory environments, using multiple units controlled separately and simultaneously. We assessed the device by adapting a spatial attention task comparing performances in different cognitive load conditions (high or low) and stimulation (unimodal, bimodal, or trimodal). 28 sighted adults were asked to monitor both the central and peripheral parts of the device and to tap a target stimulus (either visual, auditory, haptic, or multimodal) as fast as they could. Our results suggest that this new device can provide congruent and incongruent multimodal stimuli and quantitatively measure parameters such as reaction time and accuracy, allowing to investigate perceptual mechanisms in multisensory environments.Clinical Relevance-The TechPad is a reliable tool for the assessment of spatial attention during interactive tasks. its application in clinical trials will pave the way to its role in multisensory rehabilitation.
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Morelli F, Schiatti L, Cappagli G, Martolini C, Gori M, Signorini S. Clinical assessment of the TechArm system on visually impaired and blind children during uni- and multi-sensory perception tasks. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1158438. [PMID: 37332868 PMCID: PMC10272406 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1158438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
We developed the TechArm system as a novel technological tool intended for visual rehabilitation settings. The system is designed to provide a quantitative assessment of the stage of development of perceptual and functional skills that are normally vision-dependent, and to be integrated in customized training protocols. Indeed, the system can provide uni- and multisensory stimulation, allowing visually impaired people to train their capability of correctly interpreting non-visual cues from the environment. Importantly, the TechArm is suitable to be used by very young children, when the rehabilitative potential is maximal. In the present work, we validated the TechArm system on a pediatric population of low-vision, blind, and sighted children. In particular, four TechArm units were used to deliver uni- (audio or tactile) or multi-sensory stimulation (audio-tactile) on the participant's arm, and subject was asked to evaluate the number of active units. Results showed no significant difference among groups (normal or impaired vision). Overall, we observed the best performance in tactile condition, while auditory accuracy was around chance level. Also, we found that the audio-tactile condition is better than the audio condition alone, suggesting that multisensory stimulation is beneficial when perceptual accuracy and precision are low. Interestingly, we observed that for low-vision children the accuracy in audio condition improved proportionally to the severity of the visual impairment. Our findings confirmed the TechArm system's effectiveness in assessing perceptual competencies in sighted and visually impaired children, and its potential to be used to develop personalized rehabilitation programs for people with visual and sensory impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Morelli
- Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Lucia Schiatti
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab and Center for Brains, Minds and Machines, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, United States
- Unit for Visually Impaired People, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Giulia Cappagli
- Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Unit for Visually Impaired People, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Chiara Martolini
- Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Monica Gori
- Unit for Visually Impaired People, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Sabrina Signorini
- Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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Grumi S, Morelli F, Mascherpa E, Decortes F, Luparia A, Provenzi L, Signorini S. Patient- and parent-reported outcome measures of developmental adaptive abilities in visually impaired children: The Visual Impairment Developmental Autonomy (VIDA) scale. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 131:104331. [PMID: 36174376 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In the pediatric context, parents' and patients' engagement in the care process is strongly recommended and could be pursued using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), which therefore become useful for planning and monitoring treatments. Nevertheless, few data are available from families of children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as visual impairment (VI). The Visual Impairment Developmental Autonomy (VIDA) project aims to develop and validate a patient- and parent-reported tool to measure the most relevant aspects concerning everyday adaptive abilities in children and adolescents with visual impairment: the VIDA scale. The present paper illustrates the Delphi process of item generation engaging parents and patients and presents a protocol for the validation of this new co-designed tool in an Italian visually impaired pediatric population. Twenty-three families and five adolescents provided a list of 192 items and assessed their relevance. Items were categorized in 5 areas of adaptive abilities (i.e., table manners, clothing, personal hygiene, orientation and mobility, and socio-affectivity) and into three age ranges based on the patient's age. The final 102-item Vida Scale will be administered to a minimum of 300 visually impaired children together with measures of quality of life and child adjustment to investigate its psychometric properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Grumi
- Developmental Psychobiology Lab, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Federica Morelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Mascherpa
- Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesco Decortes
- Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonella Luparia
- Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Livio Provenzi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Developmental Psychobiology Lab, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Sabrina Signorini
- Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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Provenzi L, Pettenati G, Luparia A, Paini D, Aprile G, Morelli F, Mascherpa E, Vercellino L, Grumi S, Signorini S. Case report: Dancing in the dark: A critical single case study engaging a blind father in the rehabilitation journey of his visually impaired child. Front Psychol 2022; 13:942321. [PMID: 36312141 PMCID: PMC9606581 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.942321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Face-to-face visual contact is a key component of the early parent-child interaction, therefore a visual impairment condition of the parent or the child represents a risk factor for dyadic patterns' development. Aims The study presents a critical single case of a blind father and a 18-month-old visually impaired child. The study aims to explore changes in the relational functioning of this dyad during an early family-centered intervention. Methods and procedures Ten parent-child sessions were videotaped and micro-analytically coded. Data were analyzed through a State Space Grid crossing child's social cues and types of father verbalizations. Outcomes and results Findings showed a stable increase in the amount of child social cues over time. Moreover, the dyad exhibited progressive changes in dyadic regulation, stability, and organization. The return time to the “active interaction” region of interest decreased progressively. A reduction was observed also for the time spent by the dyad in the region “no vocal contact.” Conclusions and implications This critical single case highlighted the benefits of parental engagement in early interventions for the dyadic regulation in parent-child interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Provenzi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Developmental Psychobiology Lab, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Livio Provenzi
| | - Giada Pettenati
- Developmental Psychobiology Lab, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonella Luparia
- Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Daria Paini
- Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giorgia Aprile
- Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Federica Morelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Mascherpa
- Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luisa Vercellino
- Developmental Psychobiology Lab, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Serena Grumi
- Developmental Psychobiology Lab, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sabrina Signorini
- Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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Battistin T, Dalla Pozza N, Trentin S, Volpin G, Franceschini A, Rodà A. Co-designed mini-games for children with visual impairment: a pilot study on their usability. MULTIMEDIA TOOLS AND APPLICATIONS 2022; 82:5291-5313. [PMID: 36105660 PMCID: PMC9461408 DOI: 10.1007/s11042-022-13665-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Digital games aimed at improving cognitive and/or motor-sensory skills need to be carefully designed to take into account the characteristics and needs of particular categories of users. Several novel mini-games explicitly aimed at children with visual impairment (VI) were co-designed by a multidisciplinary team which involved computer engineers and a therapy team from the Robert Hollman Foundation (Padova, Italy). These games are played by children moving within a large-scale interactive environment - i.e., a floor portion placed under a motion capture system capable of tracking one or more people - with the game linking the players movements to the audio and visual output to produce meaningful interactions. We report on a pilot study of the usability of the system involving 11 children with VI. The results allowed us to improve the system and to define a set of guidelines useful for designers and developers of similar systems. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11042-022-13665-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Battistin
- Robert Hollman Foundation, via Siena 1, Padova, 35143 Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via L. Borsari, 46, Ferrara, 44121 Italy
| | - Nadir Dalla Pozza
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, via Gradenigo 6b, Padova, 35131 Italy
| | - Silvia Trentin
- Robert Hollman Foundation, via Siena 1, Padova, 35143 Italy
| | - Giovanni Volpin
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, via Gradenigo 6b, Padova, 35131 Italy
| | - Andrea Franceschini
- Department of Computer Science and Technology, University of Cambridge, 15 J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0FD UK
| | - Antonio Rodà
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, via Gradenigo 6b, Padova, 35131 Italy
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Morelli F, Aprile G, Martolini C, Ballante E, Olivier L, Ercolino E, Perotto E, Signorini S. Visual Function and Neuropsychological Profile in Children with Cerebral Visual Impairment. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9060921. [PMID: 35740858 PMCID: PMC9221908 DOI: 10.3390/children9060921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) has become the leading cause of children’s visual impairment in developed countries. Since CVI may negatively affect neuropsychomotor development, an early diagnosis and characterization become fundamental to define effective habilitation approaches. To date, there is a lack of standardized diagnostic methods to assess CVI in children, and the role of visual functions in children’s neuropsychological profiles has been poorly investigated. In the present paper, we aim to describe the clinical and neuropsychological profiles and to investigate the possible effects of visual functions on neuropsychological performance of a cohort of children diagnosed with CVI. Fifty-one children with CVI were included in our retrospective analysis (inclusion criteria: verbal IQ > 70 in Wechsler scales; absence of significant ocular involvement). For each participant, we collected data on neuropsychological assessment (i.e., cognitive, cognitive visual, and learning abilities), basic visual functions (e.g., Best Corrected Visual Acuity—BCVA, contrast sensitivity, and ocular motor abilities) and global development features (e.g., neurological signs and motor development delay) based on standardized tests, according to patients’ ages. The results showed that oculomotor dysfunction involving saccades and smooth pursuit may be a core symptom of CVI and might have a significant impact on cognitive visual and other neuropsychological abilities. Furthermore, visual acuity and contrast sensitivity may influence cognitive, cognitive visual, and academic performances. Our findings suggest the importance of a comprehensive assessment of both visual and neuropsychological functions in children when CVI is suspected, which is needed to provide a more comprehensive functional profile and define the best habilitation strategy to sustain functional vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Morelli
- Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.A.); (C.M.); (L.O.); (E.E.); (E.P.); (S.S.)
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Giorgia Aprile
- Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.A.); (C.M.); (L.O.); (E.E.); (E.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Chiara Martolini
- Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.A.); (C.M.); (L.O.); (E.E.); (E.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Elena Ballante
- BioData Science Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Political and Social Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Olivier
- Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.A.); (C.M.); (L.O.); (E.E.); (E.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Elisa Ercolino
- Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.A.); (C.M.); (L.O.); (E.E.); (E.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Eleonora Perotto
- Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.A.); (C.M.); (L.O.); (E.E.); (E.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Sabrina Signorini
- Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.A.); (C.M.); (L.O.); (E.E.); (E.P.); (S.S.)
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Grumi S, Cappagli G, Aprile G, Mascherpa E, Gori M, Provenzi L, Signorini S. Togetherness, beyond the eyes: A systematic review on the interaction between visually impaired children and their parents. Infant Behav Dev 2021; 64:101590. [PMID: 34062369 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2021.101590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parent-child interaction is essential to promote adaptive emotional, cognitive, and social development. The majority of previous research on parent-child interaction is largely dependent on face-to-face exchanges that require the interactive partners to visually recognize reciprocal communicative bids. Therefore, previous findings in the field can only partially apply to the early interactive patterns occurring between visually impaired infants and their parents. The present study was aimed to systematically review the available evidence on parent-child interaction in the context of developmental visual impairment. METHODS Fourteen papers were finally selected after literature search on PubMed and Scopus. Data synthesis was focused on three core topics: visually impaired children's contribution to the interaction, parental caregiving behaviors with visually impaired children, and the association between parents' behaviors and the developmental outcomes of children with visual impairment. RESULTS Visually impaired children may exhibit reduced reactivity to maternal stimuli and less-than-optimal levels of interactive initiations in social exchanges. Parents of children with visual impairment may use more descriptive communicative acts and greater directiveness compared to mothers of sighted counterparts. Specific caregiving behaviors (e.g., responsiveness and goal setting) of parents of children with visual impairment may significantly support language and socio-emotional development as well as sensorimotor integration. DISCUSSION Children with visual impairment may be less responsive and they may produce less clear communicative bids while interacting with their parents. Their parents may face specific challenges while engaging with them and they may become increasingly directive and intrusive. Nonetheless, even in the presence of visual impairment, the quality of parental caregiving behaviors appears to play a potential preventive role in the face of children's socio-emotional and cognitive outcomes. These results suggest that early interventions focused on parent-child interactions are especially needed in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Grumi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulia Cappagli
- Center of Child Neuro-Ophthalmology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy; Unit for Visually Impaired People, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giorgia Aprile
- Center of Child Neuro-Ophthalmology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Mascherpa
- Center of Child Neuro-Ophthalmology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Monica Gori
- Unit for Visually Impaired People, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Livio Provenzi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Sabrina Signorini
- Center of Child Neuro-Ophthalmology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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