The Specificity of Oculomotor Functions and Visual Perception in Relation to Reading Proficiency in Children With Joubert Syndrome

Introduction: This study evaluated the specificity of oculomotor functions and visual perception in relation to reading performance in children with Joubert syndrome, since these children exhibit a consistent pattern of visual impairments characterized by features of ocular motor apraxia. Methods: The visual functioning of five children with Joubert syndrome was analyzed through case studies. Data included parental interviews; medical records; orthoptic assessments; visual perception testing (MVPT-4); and reading performance evaluation using the CACP (Comprehensive Analysis of Cognitive Processes) diagnostic battery, adapted for people who are visually impaired. Reading levels were assessed in terms of decoding and comprehension. Results: The visual functioning of participants diagnosed with Joubert syndrome was varied, although all exhibited refractive errors and oculomotor dysfunctions. Despite these challenges, the students developed reading skills at an average or near-average level in terms of both decoding and comprehension. Anomalies in eye movements and saccadic organization do not prevent children with Joubert syndrome from developing compensatory mechanisms that enable them to functionally utilize their vision. Reading proficiency varied among participants and depended on the location and severity of visual processing deficits, whether they were at the level of reception (visual acuity) or perception (visual memory and attention). Compared to peers without visual impairments, children with Joubert syndrome showed weaker reading skills, although their results were average compared to students with low vision. Discussion: The findings highlight that despite oculomotor challenges, children with Joubert syndrome can develop effective compensatory strategies, enabling average reading performance relative to peers with visual impairments. However, their reading level may lag behind peers without visual impairments. Implications for Practitioners: Therapeutic interventions, such as vision therapy and refractive corrections, are recommended to enhance reading performance and reduce visual fatigue. Regardless of the degree of visual impairment determined by visual acuity, children with Joubert syndrome require similar accommodations and adaptations recommended for children with low vision.