Technical point on Localising:

We accept that this is an other potentially divisive theme, divisive that is to those who like to concern them. selves with these problems. To give an example. If a child turns her head to a sound does that mean she can also see that object making the sound? Empirical evidence (as well as some research evidence) would suggest not. Babies born blind are often not diagnosed as such for some months. Remarks are made that the baby turns to locate sounds with his eyes. But they may be merely centralising a physical stimulus ie from sound. In-depth discussion of this topic is presented in Aitken (1981).

The corollary is that babies who are born blind are often later diagnosed as not just blind but also deaf. Try to imagine being a parent and having that put to you. "Sorry we were wrong. He is not just blind, he is also deaf".

Why should this happen?

Early in development a blind baby stops turning to sound.

When presented with a rattle at his right ear, he does not turn to the sound. He is diagnosed as deaf. There are good functional reasons for not turning to sound for a blind baby. No rustle of clothing occurs, he is not going to gain much more information by turning, stilling will allow him to concentrate on the sound. We will have to return to this topic when we discuss methods of intervention.