Mental health and quality of life in children and young people with neurodivergencies of sight: A systematic review

A systematic review was conducted to understand mental health, including emotional problems and well-being, self-perception, self-esteem, and quality of life (QoL), in children and young people with vision impairment (CYPVI) aged 6-25 years. Following PRISMA guidelines, of 6623 search results, 21 studies were included in our analysis, meeting inclusion criteria: a) sample had an age of 6-25 years, b) observational studies and qualitative studies; c) age-matched (sighted) control and age-matched control who have undergone successful treatment. Our data represented samples from 12 countries. Our review found that overall children and young people with vision impairment often experience worse mental health and psychosocial development. The decline in mental health among CYPVI is frequently linked to the inaccessibility they encounter across various life contexts. The findings highlighted the importance of social support from friends and families for CYPVI enabling them to thrive in school and social contexts.