"Why Do Individuals with Autism Experience Vision Loss?"

Autism and Blindness

Autism generally does not cause blindness. Instances of blindness in autistic individuals may stem from psychosocial factors, comorbid conditions associated with autism, optic atrophy, psychological developmental disorders, or other underlying causes. It is recommended that family members promptly bring affected children to a hospital for diagnosis to identify the specific etiology.

1. Psychosocial Factors: If a child is consistently exposed to a monotonous environment, lacks effective communication with others, or experiences unfair treatment or bullying, it can easily lead to psychological trauma, potentially resulting in blindness.

2. Autism Comorbidities: Autism is a common disorder within the spectrum of pervasive developmental disorders, associated with genetic factors and abnormal brain development. Autistic children typically exhibit varying degrees of social interaction difficulties, language development disorders, narrow interests, and repetitive behaviors. While many may have some degree of mental retardation, blindness is not a direct consequence of autism.

3. Optic Atrophy: Due to neurological abnormalities in autistic children, optic nerve dysfunction may occur, leading to optic atrophy. This can manifest as reduced vision or blindness.

4. Psychological Developmental Disorders: If autistic children have comorbid psychological developmental disorders that result in low intelligence or interpersonal communication difficulties, it may increase the risk of blindness.

Additionally, autistic children may experience hearing and vision problems due to prolonged difficulties adapting to society. As the condition progresses, it may also lead to seizures and organ failure, although blindness is not a typical outcome. When parents observe signs of blindness in their autistic child, they should immediately seek consultation from a psychiatrist or psychologist, undergoing diagnostic procedures such as written assessments and EEG examinations, and adhering to prescribed treatments.