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Children
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Sensory Impairments in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
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Sensory Impairments in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Neurology & Neurodevelopmental Disorders".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 January 2023) | Viewed by 16118

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Giulia Purpura

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
Interests: neurodevelopmental disorders; developmental disabilities; visual disorders; neurorehabilitation; children
Dr. Francesca Tinelli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Fondazione Stella Maris (IRCCS), Università di Pisa, Pisa 56128, Italy
Interests: neural plasticity; neurovision disorders; cerebral palsy; prematurity; neurodevelopmental disorders

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Francesca Tinelli and I are pleased to serve as Guest Editors for an upcoming Special Issue of Children, titled “Sensory Impairments in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities”.

Early sensory experiences are critical from birth to adulthood, and significantly influence neurodevelopment. They are necessary to gather information during exploration of the surrounding environment, but the environment also influences the development of sensory systems because of the close relationship between neural networks and environmental events.

Dysfunctions in the sensory functions of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities can influence their clinical profile, producing cascading effects on motor, cognitive, and socio-communication development. In these children, sensory functions can be impaired to different degrees: from severe difficulties in children with cerebral palsy, to sensory processing dysfunctions in children with ASD, for example.

This Special Issue will provide an overview of the most recent advances in the field of sensory impairments in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. We aim to present cutting-edge research and reviews that address a broad range of topics, including:

  • Sensory impairments in children with neurological disorders;
  • Sensory processing difficulties in children with neurodevelopmental disorders;
  • Assessment measures of sensory functions for developmental age;
  • Evidence-based interventions that promote sensory–motor functions in children.

Dr. Giulia Purpura
Dr. Francesca Tinelli
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Children is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sensory functions
  • neurodevelopmental disabilities
  • sensory impairments
  • sensory processing
  • developmental age
  • neurodevelopmental disorders

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 417 KiB  
Article
Optical Coherence Tomography Significance in Managing Early Onset of Optic Pathway Gliomas in Children Younger than 5 Years of Age—A Retrospective Study
by Rossana Pavone, Carla Fonte, Iacopo Sardi, Roberto Caputo, Elisa Marziali, Fabio Mazzeo, Jacopo Secci, Alessia Bergamini, Salvatore De Masi, Maria Carmela Leo, Maria Luigia Censullo and Giacomo Maria Bacci
Children 2022, 9(9), 1307; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9091307 - 28 Aug 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1347
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the significance of optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in managing pediatric optic pathway gliomas (OPGs) in children younger than 5 years of age. A retrospective monocentric study was conducted. SD-OCT scans were obtained using the handheld iVue system to assess [...] Read more.
We aimed to investigate the significance of optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in managing pediatric optic pathway gliomas (OPGs) in children younger than 5 years of age. A retrospective monocentric study was conducted. SD-OCT scans were obtained using the handheld iVue system to assess peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) thickness at three time points: baseline (OCT1), end of treatment (OCT2), and at last follow-up (OCT3). We compared the median value of pRNFL (and interquartile range—IQR) at different follow-up times and in different sub-groups (stable disease—SD, partial response—PR, and progression disease—PD). Thirteen children younger than 5 years of age were included. The Median follow-up time was 3.9 years (IQR 1.2). Six patients showed a pRNFL change of more than 10% during follow-up. Seven patients showed PD during follow-up. Median pRNFL at baseline was 81.5 µm (IQR 31.5); median pRNFL at the end of treatment was 73 µm (IQR 33); median pRNFL at last follow-up was 72 µm (IQR 38.5). The mean pRNFL at baseline was significantly lower than the mean normative values. Only subjects with PD showed pRNFL change close to statistical significance. This study confirms the role of SD-OCT in managing OPGs for therapeutic decisions and strategy planning of visual rehabilitation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensory Impairments in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities)
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17 pages, 1506 KiB  
Article
Assessing Higher-Order Visual Processing in Cerebral Visual Impairment Using Naturalistic Virtual-Reality-Based Visual Search Tasks
by Claire E. Manley, Christopher R. Bennett and Lotfi B. Merabet
Children 2022, 9(8), 1114; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9081114 - 26 Jul 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2882
Abstract
Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is a brain-based disorder associated with the maldevelopment of central visual pathways. Individuals with CVI often report difficulties with daily visual search tasks such as finding a favorite toy or familiar person in cluttered and crowded scenes. We developed [...] Read more.
Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is a brain-based disorder associated with the maldevelopment of central visual pathways. Individuals with CVI often report difficulties with daily visual search tasks such as finding a favorite toy or familiar person in cluttered and crowded scenes. We developed two novel virtual reality (VR)-based visual search tasks combined with eye tracking to objectively assess higher order processing abilities in CVI. The first (virtual toybox) simulates a static object search, while the second (virtual hallway) represents a dynamic human search task. Participants were instructed to search for a preselected target while task demand was manipulated with respect to the presence of surrounding distractors. We found that CVI participants (when compared to age-matched controls) showed an overall impairment with visual search on both tasks and with respect to all gaze metrics. Furthermore, CVI participants showed a trend of worsening performance with increasing task demand. Finally, search performance was also impaired in CVI participants with normal/near normal visual acuity, suggesting that reduced stimulus visibility alone does not account for these observations. This novel approach may have important clinical utility in helping to assess environmental factors related to functional visual processing difficulties observed in CVI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensory Impairments in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities)
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9 pages, 481 KiB  
Article
Italian Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Toileting Habit Profile Questionnaire Revised (THPQ-R) in Typically Developing Children: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Martina Ruffini, Anna Berardi, Anna Benvenuti, Isabelle Beaudry-Bellefeuille, Marco Tofani, Giovanni Galeoto and Donatella Valente
Children 2022, 9(7), 1052; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9071052 - 14 Jul 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1432
Abstract
The Toileting Habit Profile Questionnaire Revised (THPQ-R) identifies sensory integration issues in children with defecation problems. Sensory integration issues are recognized as a factor linked to some defecation disorders and identifying such issues is needed to guide the development of an appropriate intervention. [...] Read more.
The Toileting Habit Profile Questionnaire Revised (THPQ-R) identifies sensory integration issues in children with defecation problems. Sensory integration issues are recognized as a factor linked to some defecation disorders and identifying such issues is needed to guide the development of an appropriate intervention. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the THPQ-R in a population of typically developing (TD) Italian children by measuring its internal consistency and cross-cultural validity. The translation and cultural adaptation were performed according to international guidelines. The questionnaire was administered to the caregivers of TD children, and the analysis was performed on data obtained from 118 TD children. The construct validity of the scale was calculated through the exploratory factor analysis that indicated two factors; Cronbach’s alpha was calculated for internal consistency and showed a value >0.7, demonstrating good internal consistency. Cross-cultural validity was also analyzed and showed higher levels of defecation problems at age 5 years. Italian occupational therapists now have a tool to assess possible sensory issues linked to defecation disorders in children aged 3 to 6 years, which may promote more effective clinical practice in this area. Moreover, it will be possible to compare the results obtained from studies conducted in Italy with those conducted in other countries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensory Impairments in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities)
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11 pages, 925 KiB  
Article
Effects of Vision Therapy on Bilateral Amblyopia Unresponsive to Conventional Treatment: A Retrospective Comparative Study
by Yu-Te Huang, Hui-Ju Lin, Wen-Ling Liao, Yi-Yu Tsai and Yi-Ching Hsieh
Children 2022, 9(2), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9020205 - 5 Feb 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3037
Abstract
Background: In this study we aim to determines the effect of our vision therapy program for 7- to 10-year-old patients who exhibit bilateral amblyopia that is no longer responsive to conventional treatment. Methods: Children with bilateral amblyopia between the ages of 7 and [...] Read more.
Background: In this study we aim to determines the effect of our vision therapy program for 7- to 10-year-old patients who exhibit bilateral amblyopia that is no longer responsive to conventional treatment. Methods: Children with bilateral amblyopia between the ages of 7 and 10 treated with vision therapy at the China Medical University Hospital between 2016 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Age and visual acuity-matched bilateral amblyopes are included as a control group. The visual acuity for both groups showed no improvement for more than 3 months with part-time patching and full refraction correction. The initial and final visual acuity, stereopsis, and refractive status were analyzed. Results: Here, 15 cases were included as the treatment group and 16 cases as a control group. At the endpoint, the study group shows a significant improvement in BCVA, with a mean of 0.32 ± 0.15 logMAR (3 lines improvement) versus 0.003 ± 0.19 logMAR (nearly no improvement) for the control group (p < 0.001). The benefits of treatment are most obvious in the first 3 months after treatment (p < 0.001) and last until the end point. Stereoacuity also improves from 190.00 ± 163.34 to 85.00 ± 61.24 arc seconds, which is a 55.26% improvement. Conclusions: Vision therapy, comprising orthoptic therapy, perceptual learning and dichoptic training, is a successful program for increasing visual acuity and stereoacuity in 7- to 10-year-old children with bilateral amblyopia that is unresponsive to conventional treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensory Impairments in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities)
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Review

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18 pages, 1105 KiB  
Review
Interventions for Sensory Over-Responsivity in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Narrative Review
by Huan-Ling Yuan, Cynthia Y. Y. Lai, Mabel N. K. Wong, Tak Chun Kwong, Yat Sze Choy, Steve W. Y. Mung and Chetwyn C. H. Chan
Children 2022, 9(10), 1584; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9101584 - 19 Oct 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5249
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit sensory over-responsivity (SOR), which is characterized by an overwhelmingly negative reaction to or avoidance of sensory stimulation. Despite the detrimental effects of SOR on people’s personal and social lives, the knowledge of and interventions for [...] Read more.
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit sensory over-responsivity (SOR), which is characterized by an overwhelmingly negative reaction to or avoidance of sensory stimulation. Despite the detrimental effects of SOR on people’s personal and social lives, the knowledge of and interventions for the issue remain limited. This paper collates and reviews studies on SOR and information on the potential for effective interventions for people with ASD. This review reveals evidence that SOR has a close relationship with anxiety, depression, insomnia, and family life impairment and an underlying mechanism related to SOR. Four interventions and their theoretical bases in sensory-motor processing are discussed in this paper, namely, physical activity (PA), sensory integration therapy (SIT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These interventions focus on establishing coping strategies for regulating the emotional response to sensory information, and they have been found to be effective and to have the potential to help children with ASD reduce their SOR behaviors. This paper provides guidance for selecting appropriate interventions and for further investigation of more effective interventions in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensory Impairments in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities)
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