VIDBE-Q Volume 66 Issue 4
year. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), indicate
that 7.1% and 3.2% of children ages 3-17 have a diagnosed anxiety or depression
disorder, respectively. In fact, rates of being diagnosed with either anxiety or
depression among children increased from 5.4% in 2003 to 8.4% in 2011-2012.
Reasons for Increased Mental Health Difficulties
There are several reasons why children with visual impairments may be at-
risk for increased mood disorders. One major reason is the lack of opportunities
they may have in forming and maintaining social relationships with peers. Huurre,
Komulainenm and Aro (2001) suggested that young people with visual
impairments often had fewer opportunities to make friends and because of this
risked facing social isolation. Children benefit from friendships as they help create
a sense of belonging and serve as means to reduce stress. Friendships also help
children adjust to changes within their environment. It has been suggested that the
greater difficulty in making friends for children with visual impairments are in part
because youth with visual impairment spend more time in solitary and parallel play
rather than engaging in social interactions with their sighted classmates (Celeste,
2006).
Another risk factor for children with visual impairments is the potential for
them to be bullied more often than their sighted peers in the school environment
(Rosemblum, 2000). Children who are bullied can experience negative physical,