Behaviors of Visually Impaired Children

Blindisms are defined as repetitive, purposeless movements made by children with poor vision. The motor behaviors are directed to or around the eyes. The definition should be modified because most blindisms are not purposeless. Many stereotyped behaviors in young, poorly-sighted children represent adaptations to low vision. Some occur as the result of poor or no sensory stimulation. The study of blindisms, better termed "behaviorisms," has offered important insights into a variety of visual diseases. In the individual patient, the appearance and nature of blindisms can provide important diagnostic information.