Both speech delay and refractive error are common childhood problems. Left untreated both can result in delays in learning, social isolation, poor self-esteem, communication difficulties and problems performing daily living activities.
No literature exists to suggest whether a link exists between these two common childhood problems. However, literature does confirm and reinforce the role of vision in speech perception and auditory visual speech perception, both of which are precursors for speech development. It is therefore hypothesized that children with a vision impairment in early life would be more likely to have speech impairment and/or delay in the development of speech.
This research aims to investigate this hypothesis. This will be done through review of the ALSPAC data relating to speech and vision, assessment of the speech of a cohort of children with known vision impairment and the vision of those children referred to speech and language therapy.
If a link exists between vision impairment and speech then evaluation of the type of speech impairment can be made, thus assisting in understanding the nature of speech development in children with a vision impairment.
Identifying the presence of a link between vision impairment and speech impairment would enable practitioners to more readily identify each. By understanding the relationship, the therapies and guidelines used for children with vision impairment who are undergoing speech and language therapy can be developed.