Social identity, autism and visual impairment (VI) in the early years

This article explores how visual impairment might impact on early social and emotional development including self-awareness and communication with others. Some children show a 'developmental setback' and other worrying developmental trajectories in the early years, including autistic related behaviours and autistic spectrum disorders. Research is beginning to reveal the risk factors and most vulnerable processes in the early years, including in social communication, joint attention and joint referencing. The new Developmental Journal for Visually Impaired Babies and Children draws on the research to date and provides a new framework for early intervention and habilitation.