Impact of Dual Sensory Loss (Deafblindness) on a Baby
The human being is born social. Babies are more attentive to social stimulation. For babies without sensory disabilities, learning opportunities are ideal as the learning is based on the child’s own activities and the responses are instant.
Babies with deafblindness show little activity which can be interpreted, and any activity which does occur, can be unusual and unexpected. Babies who are deafblind are less awake because they are less stimulated by visual input, they cry less and move their limbs less.
When babies who are deafblind cry less than other children, they are deprived of the attention from the care givers and the learning opportunities which go hand in hand with this interaction.
The child who is deafblind is at risk of not being able to initiate social interaction and give rewarding feedback due to the sensory impairments. For example smiling, giving eye contact, being comforted through visual and sound stimulations such as seeing and hearing their mother’s face and voice.
The importance of early intervention
The importance of early intervention has been well established. There is no question as to the need for specialist early intervention services to young children who are deafblind. “Young children who are deafblind have unique communication, developmental and emotional needs that require special knowledge, expertise, technology and assistance far beyond that required by other children with disabilities.” (Holte, et al., 2006). Children with dual sensory impairments should receive specialised services, such as alternative modes of communication, functional sensory input and orientation to the world around them (Michael & Paul, 1991).
MORE INFORMATION
For more information contact Melanie Robartson, Deafblind Consultant
(08) 9473 5431 or email: lsfs@senses.asn.au
