Adaptive behavior of children and adolescents with visual impairments

The present study explored the total adaptive behavior of children and adolescents with visual impairments, as well as their adaptive behavior in each of the domains of Communication, Daily Living Skills, and Socialization. Moreover, the predictors of the performance and developmental delay in adaptive behavior were investigated. Instrumentation included an informal questionnaire and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (Survey Form). Forty-six children and adolescents with visual impairments participated. The results reveal the effect of age on total adaptive behavior and on each of the domains of Communication, Daily Living Skills, and Socialization; the older individuals with visual impairments present better performance but also a higher rate of delay in comparison with younger individuals. Moreover, the ability of independent movement is a predictor of performance and developmental delay on the Daily Living Skills and Socialization. The more independent the mobility of individuals with visual impairments is the better the performance and the lower the level of developmental delay. Moreover, the educational level of parents is a predictor of performance and developmental delay on the Communication and Socialization. The higher the educational level of parents the better the performance and the lower the developmental delay.

Research highlights
► We explore the adaptive behavior of children/adolescents with visual impairments.
► We study the predictors of the performance and developmental delay.
► The older participants present better performance but also a higher rate of delay. The ability of independent movement is a predictor of performance and delay.
► The educational level of parents is a predictor of performance and delay.