Rosalie (1.5) has hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluid in the cavities deep within the brain, which comes with the risk of vision problems. She received a cortical visual impairment (CVI) diagnosis from an ophthalmologist who provided her parents with accurate information, for instance:
- CVI is a brain-based visual impairment,
- her brain can learn to better understand what she sees as it makes new connections,
- she needs more time to look at things,
- and really bright colors and movement will draw her attention to objects.
The doctor referred Rosalie to the state agency for vision services, but that’s where the CVI conversation stopped.
“I did not have a good understanding in the moment what CVI really meant and kind of like the magnitude of how it really impacts every aspect of every day and every little thing we've been doing with her,” says her mother, Stephanie Kung. “And the fact that it's a disability that is never going to leave her. I really just didn't understand that or get a sense of that until I went home and immediately started researching and, you know, obsessively learning all that I could.”
Not only did Stephanie quickly sift through the research and implement CVI-friendly strategies and routines, she started a blog called Everyday CVI, where she documents life hacks, tips and tricks for families raising a child with CVI.
Stephanie talks about Rosalie’s tremendous progress, how to advocate for CVI-appropriate early intervention services and that moment when you realize you are a special needs parent.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Cortical Visual Impairment: An Approach to Assessment and Intervention
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!