VISION THERAPY
Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and other developmental disabilities can bring with them a variety of vision problems; yet many of these children have either never had an eye exam, or their parents have been told that their vision is fine. A number of the behaviors which are associated with these spectrum disorders actually have a visual component, which, when addressed, can make a tremendous impact on the child’s behavior and change their ability to learn and interact with their world.
Most people don’t realize that our eyes and visual abilities are actually part of the brain. So it stands to reason that if someone has a neurological disorder that impacts the brain, that their vision would be compromised in some way. Also since vision is part of the brain it is learned and therefore can be changed.
Being able to see things clearly from a distance of 20 feet (i.e., “20/20”) is just one of over 15 visual skills required to read, learn and function in life. There are actually a variety of visual skills necessary to be able to take meaning from the environment as well as to be able to direct action. Scanning, focusing, visual coordination are just of a few of the skills that can be helped through vision therapy. How can you make eye contact, stay focused on an activity or make the appropriate response if your vision is not directed on that object or at that individual?
Following is a list of many of the behaviors commonly associated with autism spectrum disorders that have a visual component: watching spinning objects, eyeballing things - getting really close to objects, watching things repetitively, loves looking at shiny objects, and has difficulty in locking on or maintaining eye contact. For others: Disruptive and/or uncooperative behavior, eye contact avoidance, blackboard visual avoidance, poor and uneven handwriting, inability to listen and look simultaneously, over use of peripheral vision, stiff-legged walk, poking at the sides of his eyes, closing or covering one eye, unable to catch or throw a ball, closes eyes in order to hear. By treating the underlying vision problem through the use of focusing lenses, prism lenses and vision therapy we find that these children are better able to interact and adapt to their surroundings. Improving the child’s vision causes changes in the neurology and the way the child understands and organizes their world. Children who were previously non-verbal, suddenly begin speaking or stand up when they are given special glasses that are designed to help them process visual information. Other children stop “eyeballing” things or are able to make eye contact.
Diagnosis and treatment of vision problems that impact autism spectrum disorders are performed by developmental optometrists. The emphasis of the testing is designed to determine, “how do we get the child to become more connected to world around them?”
Treatment can often be as simple as a special pair of glasses.
Courtesy of Arlene Schwartz, Optometrist, Hartsdale Family Eye Care, Hartsdale, NY
(914) 725-1600, tempal@verizon.net, www.hartsdalefamilyeyecare.com
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