The absence of language development may result in several problems. People with congenital blindness are among those who could be highly affected by language deficits. The purpose of this systematic literature review was to compile empirical studies that aimed at describing and/or assessing the development of pre-linguistic and early linguistic behaviors in children with congenital blindness. Among the studies that were found, 19 met the criteria defined for this literature review. All 19 studies were analyzed in regards to: (a) which data bases and journals published or archived these studies; (b) the number of studies that targeted either: early words, reach and search for objects, joint attention, or other linguistic behaviors; (c) the presence or absence of operational definitions for the target behaviors; (d) the studies' purposes. The studies were published by 11 different journals. The majority of the studies focused on early words as target behaviors. In regards to operational definitions, 15 studies provided some information concerning these definitions. This paper synthesizes several studies that address language development of congenitally blind children and could be used as a guide for future research in congenital blindness.
Special Education; Blindness; Language
