New methods for studying blind children’s understanding of familiar space

Lewis, V.; Collis, G.; Shadlock, R.; Potts, M. and Norgate, S. (2002). New methods for studying blind children’s understanding of familiar space. British Journal of Visual Impairment, 20(1) pp. 17–23.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/026461960202000104

Abstract

The present study investigated the type and extent of challenging behaviour in three residential schools in India for children with visual impairment. Teachers completed a survey of challenging behaviour in one boys-only school (n = 123), one girls-only school (n = 88), and one co-educational school (n = 125). Among the 336 total children, 24% were identified as having challenging
behaviours. The most frequently reported challenging behaviours were withdrawal (17%), hyperactivity (15%), stereotyped mannerisms (12%), irritability (12%), aggression (10%) and inappropriate speech (9%). Self-injury was rare (1%). The results highlight a need for effective school-based assessment and intervention strategies to address challenging behaviours among children with visual impairment.