Impact of Visual Deficits on Motor and Cognitive Development in Infants and Toddlers

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, children spend up to seven hours a day in front of a screen. Such exposure to screen time has compromised their ability to participate in movement activities to encourage normal visual, motor, cognitive, and social development. The subsequent complications can include difficulty with visual processing,and motor and cognitive development that impact the child's ability to learn. Screen time influence, coupled with a need to confine children in equipment, has further influenced how children learn. This session seeks to provide ways to identify infants and toddlers at risk for developing visual deficits that can later influence the child's motor and cognitive development. Clinicians involved with at-risk children can potentially change a child's developmental trajectory.

This course will highlight ways in which practitioners who work with infants and toddlers can use visual approaches to influence motor and cognitive development. Participants willgain an appreciation for the complexity of the child's visual development and how this sense influences motor and cognitive skills. An initial review of the visual system, risk factors, and available assessments will be provided; followed by a demonstration of intervention strategies. Through interactive discussion and analysis of a case example, participants will demonstrate practical ways to influence the visual system and provide supportive home programming to families, caregivers, or teachers. The participants will be able to return to their clinic, school, or home settings with theknowledge to support their client's visual skill development.

The content of this program is germane to children, students and clients ages 0- 18.

Highlights

• Evidence review from over 10 articles that highlight the alarming problem associated with visual and motor development due to environmental influences on young children and unfortunate later effects related to learning
• Practical ways to address visual, motor, and cognitive development
• Interact with a case to develop solutions and create opportunities for carry-over in the home or school settings
• Effective, evidence-based interventions to address visual, motor, and cognitive deficits

Target Audience: Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants