Vision is a complex activity. It is much more that 20/20 eyesight. Vision also consists of two-eyed coordination, focusing, eye movements and tracking. **
** Vision problems may show up as one (or more) of the following symptoms observable by parents and teachers:
 |
Looses place while reading |
|
Re-reading words or paragraphs |
|
Word or letter reversals |
|
Reduced comprehension |
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Head movements while reading |
|
Holds book very close |
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Poor copying abilities from chalkboard to desk |
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Poor attention skills |
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Misjudgments of distance, size, and location in sports and play |
|
Slow reaction time and poor timing in sports or play ** |
The above symptoms
COULD indicate poor eye movement and/or tracking skills.
It is possible to lessen the above symptoms through Visual Therapy.
HOWEVER, Visual Therapy WILL NOT cure or even reduce symptoms due primarily to ADD ADHD.
BE AWARE that it is entirely possible for an ADD ADHD child to have the additional problem of poor eye movement and tracking skills.
Think about it.
A person can have a
broken leg (ADD ADHD) and pneumonia (vision problems) at the same time.
A dual diagnosis would be needed and separate treatment for the legs and lungs would be called for. That scenario, when applied to learning may "tell you" that ADD ADHD treatment along with Visual Therapy may be called for.
Schools are, for the most part, unable to spot these
specific types of visual problems. Schools generally use the Snellen Test - to
check for distance. The Telebinocular Screening instrument is commonly
used to which will test for visual acuity (near and far), depth perception and
two-eyed coordination. The Telebinocular instrument will not identify
problems of focusing, visual perception or eye movements. An optometrist
would need to make the determination and prescribe therapy.**
It is IMPERATIVE that parents and teachers explore all possible reasons for a child's behavior. It is unacceptable (in my opinion) to medicate a child for ADD ADHD if the problem is actually related to a visual problem.
Medical doctors, psychologists and psychiatrists, when confronted with a child exemplifying the above symptoms may "jump to the conclusion" that the child is ADD/ADHD. All doctors are not trained to spot vision difficulties.
The MD may, in good faith, diagnose ADD/ADHD but be WRONG. Parents and teachers need to be aware of the possibility of a MD only seeing "what he's trained to see". We must advocate for our children and (again in my opinion) rule out other possible causes for the behaviors noted. Vision problems COULD cause a child to "act like" an ADDer.
If visual problems are diagnosed, treatment is pretty straight foreword.
The
first treatment is usually Lens Therapy -- aka as glasses. The prescription is
designed to reduce stress on the eyes or correct nearsightedness, farsightedness
or astigmatism. Lens Therapy may also help to prevent the development of
significant visual problems as the lens may reduce stress on the eyes. **
Additional treatment may include Optometric Vision Therapy. This consists of a series
of procedures designed to improve specific visual skills and perceptual
abilities underlying the learning process. Usually prisms, lenses and "eye
exercises" are prescribed.**
** Information extrapolated from a pamphlet in my files called "The Effects of Vision on Learning and School Performance". Produced by Children's Vision Committee of the Oregon Optometric Association.
A link on Vision Therapy for you to explore follow.
http://www.children-special-needs.org/vision_therapy/success_stories/benefits_studies.html
DISCLAIMER
This information is for
educational purposes only. Much of the information is from classes and workshops
I’ve taken during my 30+ years of working with ADD & ADHD students –
sprinkled with my own comments, thoughts and insights.
Some information has been
acquired from the INTERNET. Be
aware that not all information on the WWW is accurate.
Use your own judgment.
This information is not
intended to replace information from your doctor, therapist, lawyer,
psychologist, nutritionist or psychiatrist.
Consult your child’s (or your own) doctor for additional input.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Editor: BJ Madewell
Wichita, KS area
316-733-9532
FAX not available
Email ADDchoices@aol.com
or ADDchoices@yahoo.com
You may copy and print this
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address, web site address, & phone # on anything you give to others.
BJ Madewell
