National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Septo-optic dysplasia spectrum



Are behavioral difficulties common among people with septo-optic dysplasia?

While limited information is available on this topic, one recent study found that children with septo-optic dysplasia are at an increased risk for having social, communication, and repetitive/restrictive behavioral difficulties.[1] The following characteristics have been described as being common among children with septo-optic dysplasia, especially among those with severe vision loss:[2]

Moderate to severe delays in information processing
Extreme tactual and auditory defensiveness
Difficulty with transitions
Rigid adherence to routine
Strong interest in rhythms and music
Restricted food preferences and eating problems related to an aversion to textured foods
Avoidance of social interaction and engagement
Profound distractibility
Mild hypotonia (low muscle tone)
Developmental delays in motor functioning
Lack of initiative in exploring their environments
Atypical language development
Enjoyment of swinging
Lack of spontaneity in verbal interactions

Last updated: 1/25/2017

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  1. Parr JR, Dale NJ, Shaffer LM, Salt AT. Social communication difficulties and autism spectrum disorder in young children with optic nerve hypoplasia and/or septo-optic dysplasia. ev Med Child Neurol. October 2010; 52(10):917-921. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=20370811.
  2. Bahar C, Brody J, McCann ME, Mendiola R, Slott G.. A Multidisciplinary Approach to Educating Preschool Children with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia and Septo-Optic Nerve Dysplasia. RE: view. 2003; 35(1):15. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ672974.