Are Children With Cochlear Implants More Likely To Develop Autism?
Dr. Timothy Buie answers the question: 'Cochlear Implants And Autism Risk?'
Oct. 23, 2008 -- Question: Are children with cochlear implants more likely to develop autism?
Answer: I'm not aware of literature that suggests that cochlear implants or other interventions for deafness place children at greater risk for autism. However, I think it's important to note that children who have other sensory defects such as vision disturbances, blindness or hearing defects often have features that are autistic-like features and behaviors like children with autism because of some of those communication problems that they will have.