Your Child's vision and learning
Some children with learning difficulties exhibit specific behaviors of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and distractibility. A common term used to describe children who exhibit such behaviors is "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" (ADHD). Undetected and untreated vision problems can elicit some of the very same signs and symptoms that are commonly attributed to ADHD. Due to these similarities, some children with vision problems are mislabeled as having ADHD. Vision problems can have a huge impact on academic performance and behavior in the classroom. Parents who suspect a vision problem may be contributing to their child's learning or behavior problems should arrange for a comprehensive eye exam. In the case of learning disabilities, vision therapy is specifically directed toward resolving visual problems that interfere with reading, learning, and educational instruction. A learning-related visual problem directly affects how we learn, read, or sustain close work. Visual problems in any of the following areas can have a significant impact on learning:
- eye tracking skills - eyes following a line of print
- eye teaming skills - two eyes working together as a synchronized team
- binocular vision - simultaneously blending the images from both eyes into one image
- accommodation - eye focusing
- visual-motor integration - eye-hand coordination
- visual perception - visual memory, visual form perception, and visualization
As vision and learning are intimately connected, a vision problem can be easily mistaken for a learning problem. Youngsters with visual problems can be misdiagnosed as having Learning Disabilities, ADHD, or Dyslexia. There are various reasons for this misdiagnosis. For example, children who have learning-related visual problems cannot sustain their close work at school. They may be misdiagnosed as ADHD because children with ADHD also can't sustain attention on their work. Same behaviors, different diagnosis.
Treatment of Learning-Related Visual Problems
The treatment for learning-related visual problems is quite different from that of ADHD, Dyslexia, and Learning Disabilities. Treatment of learning-related visual problems involves the use of appropriate glasses for near work and/or a regimen of Vision Therapy to improve important visual abilities. When parents observe that their child is struggling in school, it's time to have their vision properly evaluated with a comprehensive eye exam.
When Is Learning Difficulty Due to a Vision Problem?
While learning occurs through a number of complex and interrelated processes, vision plays a key role. Many signs, symptoms and behaviors associated with learning disabilities -- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other learning problems -- are similar to those caused by vision problems. This is why it is so important that a comprehensive vision examination be part of the interdisciplinary evaluation of all children who are failing to succeed in school. Children should be seem for a comprehensive eye exam whenever visual symptoms are noticed or if they are not achieving their potential. Many of these vision problems will not be detected during a school vision screening or limited vision assessment as part of a school physical or routine pediatric health evaluation. Dr. Leanne Lee is experienced and knowledgeable in dealing with learning-related vision problems. Dr. Leanne Lee is a proud member of COVD (College of Vision Development) serving the entire Central Valley.
For more information about COVD and Vision Therapy, click here.
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