daylight entering the eyes; lack of this activity can
trigger early onset of puberty in girls with no light
perception (Steingraber, 2007). Lack of physical
activity can increase the percentage of fat accu-
mulating in girls leading to obesity. Additionally,
active kids produce more melatonin (Steingraber,
2007). Estrogen is lipophilic and a certain fat per-
centage can also trigger earlier onset of puberty.
These two specific factors in girls who are blind
should spark the interest of adults to ensure that
they prepare children who are blind for the social
expectations of puberty. Socially, preteens de-
velop romantic crushes and show an interest in
dating. They are trying to conform to family and
societal expectations of appropriate gender be-
haviors. Privately, they use sexual language and
explore fantasies (Hock, 2010). Parents should
respect the desire for privacy on behalf of pre-
teens who are blind. Sharing family values about
dating and love can help preteens who are blind
develop their social skills such as decision mak-
ing, communication, and assertiveness skills.
Ages 13 to 18 years
Teens want to date and there is peer pressure
to engage in sexual activities. Teens fantasize
about romantic and sexual scenarios, and experi-
ment with sexual behaviors, such as kissing,
touching, oral sex, and, intercourse. They fall in
love and feel these emotions deeply (Hock,
2010). Social contact is important for social, psy-
chological, and emotional development. Lack of
social skills by teens who are blind can decrease
their acceptance as potential dating partners.
Teens who are blind need friends and social
situations to observe and imitate. Fewer social
contacts lead to fewer opportunities to develop
social skills. A teen who is blind with social prob-
lems will turn to adults who are kinder to fill a
need for friendship – this further isolates a so-
cially awkward teen who is blind from sighted
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