Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) can present unique challenges for children and their families. If your child has CVI, you may be wondering how to help them navigate the world, develop their skills, and thrive. This guide explores practical strategies to support your child, promote their independence, and create a positive environment for growth.

Understanding CVI

CVI is a neurological condition where the brain struggles to process visual information, despite the eyes functioning normally. It affects children differently, but common symptoms include:

1. Difficulty recognising faces, objects, or places.
2. Difficulty navigating or finding things in cluttered environments
3. Sensitivity to multisensory environments that contain loud sounds, strong smells, or moving crowds.
4. A preference for certain colours or simple shapes.
5. Problems with depth perception or judging distances.

Understanding your child’s specific challenges is the first step towards providing effective support.

Tips to support your child with CVI

1. Work with specialists

Engage with professionals such as:

1. Qualified Teachers of the Visually Impaired (QTVIs): They can provide tailored educational plans and recommend assistive technologies.
2. Occupational therapists: To support motor skills and spatial awareness.
3. Orientation and mobility specialists: To teach safe navigation skills.

2. Adapt your home environment

Creating a CVI-friendly home can reduce frustration and encourage independence. Some tips include:

1. Minimise visual clutter: Keep spaces organised with clearly defined areas for toys, books, or tools.
2. Use high-contrast colours: Choose bold, contrasting colours for everyday objects to make them stand out.
3. Read our guide on how to make your home vision impairment and complex needs friendly.

3. Incorporate CVI-friendly learning tools

Learning can be adapted with resources like:

1. Real object schedules: Use real objects rather than images to represent each activity in a daily routine. Real objects can be explored using a multisensory approach to support understanding
2. Accessible books: Look for books with large, clear text and vibrant, uncluttered illustrations. Books can also be adapted using colour cues that help a child more easily keep track of where they are on a page
3. Assistive technology: Apps and devices that simplify visuals can be invaluable in helping children engage with tasks.

4. Encourage communication

Children with CVI may struggle to express their needs. Encourage open communication by:

1. Asking questions like, “What do you see?” or “How can I make this easier for you?”
2. Using verbal cues to describe objects or surroundings . You can describe the most obvious visual features of objects as the child explores them, to help them associate descriptive words with their experience of the real world.
3. Providing time for your child to process information before responding.

5. Advocate for their needs

Your child’s needs may not always be understood by teachers, peers, or others. Be their advocate by:

1. Sharing CVI resources with educators and caregivers.
2. Requesting an individualised Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) tailored to their abilities.
3. Joining CVI support groups to share tips and connect with other families.

6. Celebrate their strengths

Children with CVI often develop unique skills, such as strong auditory or tactile abilities. Celebrate these strengths and provide opportunities to explore their talents. For instance:

1. Encourage music, arts, or sensory play activities.
2. Offer toys or tools that engage touch, sound, or movement.

Where to find help

Supporting a child with CVI can feel overwhelming, but help is available:

1. Charities and support groups: Many organisations can offer tailored advice or connect families with resources, such as CVI Scotland and the CVI Society in the UK.
2. Healthcare professionals: Regular consultations with paediatric ophthalmologists and neurologists can guide you in understanding your child’s changing needs.

Final thoughts

Every child with CVI is unique, and so is their journey. By creating a supportive environment, adapting to their needs, and advocating for them, you can help your child reach their full potential. Celebrate their achievements, however small, and remember—you’re not alone on this journey.

If you’d like to learn more about supporting children with vision impairments, visit InFocus Charity for resources, advice, and community support.