Developmental prosopagnosia in childhood

Abstract

Developmental prosopagnosia (DP) is defined by severe face recognition problems resulting from a failure to develop the necessary visual mechanisms for processing faces. While there is a growing literature on DP in adults, little has been done to study this disorder in children. The profound impact of abnormal face perception on social functioning and the general lack of awareness of childhood DP can result in severe social and psychological consequences for children. This review discusses possible aetiologies of DP and summarizes the few cases of childhood DP that have been reported. It also outlines key objectives for the growth of this emerging research area and special considerations for studying DP in children. With clear goals and concerted efforts, the study of DP in childhood will be an exciting avenue for enhancing our understanding of normal and abnormal face perception for all age groups.

Keywords:

• Developmental prosopagnosia
• Childhood disorders
• Developmental disorders
• Face perception
• Vision

Acknowledgments

K.A.D. was supported by an Economic and Social Research Council (UK) grant to B.D. S.C. was supported by the Eva O. Miller Fellowship through the graduate school of the University of Minnesota and a predoctoral training grant provided by the National Institutes of Health under Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award 5T32HD007151 from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). We would like to thank Madison and her mother for their correspondence and candid accounts of Madison's experiences. Thank you to Joe DeGutis and Roger Mercado for providing detailed information about their experiences with T.M.