The neuropsychology of visual perception in adults with cerebral palsy

Public defence of PhD thesis by Katrine Sand Andersen.

Abstract

Katrine Sand Andersen. Photo: The Elsass Foundation
Photo: The Elsass Foundation

It is estimated that about 40-50% of children with cerebral palsy (CP) have visual perceptual impairments, but little is known about the range of visual perceptual impairments that adults with CP can have. This thesis is centered around two topics: 1) Assessment of cognitive functioning in adults with CP and 2) an investigation into visual perception in adults with CP using quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The findings show that adults with CP can have various cognitive deficits, including many types of visual perceptual impairments. The studies highlight the need for individualized assessments and interventions for this group. Moreover, the findings reveal gaps in the literature on visual perceptual impairments in adults with CP, as well as in individuals with Cerebral Visual Impairment.

Assessment committee

  • Professor Jesper Dammeyer, University of Copenhagen, Denmark (chair)
  • Professor Kristine Stadskleiv, University of Oslo, Norway
  • Associate Professor Lars Evald, University of Aarhus, Denmark

Supervisors

  • Professor Randi Starrfelt, University of Copenhagen, Denmark (principal supervisor)
  • Assistant Professor Ro J. Robotham, University of Copenhagen, Denmark