The 20-Year Outcome of Blind Children Two Years Old and Younger: A Preliminary Survey

Abstract

This longitudinal-outcome study of 77 blind children registered with one agency for the blind in 1949-1950, conducted through a survey of case records, revealed that 25 percent were still active with the agency 20 years later, 20 percent were institutionalized, and 15 percent had attended college. A significant correlation between Social Quotient (measured prior to six years of age) and Intelligence Quotient (measured after six years of age) was found. There were minimal changes in visual acuity, but an increased awareness of functional vision. There were an increased number of diagnoses of additional handicaps as the children grew older.