Eye care for children with autism

One in 59 children is estimated to have autism spectrum disorder by the age of eight, according to the CDC. People with ASD are neuro-divergent, meaning that their style of social interaction, communication, development, and learning may differ significantly from their peers. Children on the spectrum can benefit greatly from developmental eye care.

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Eye care for children with autism in Hixson

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Numerous studies demonstrate that neuro-diverse children, and children on the spectrum specifically have a higher incidence of developmental vision problems such as strabismus, convergence, accommodation, stereopsis, and oculomotor function. It is therefore extremely important to schedule a developmental eye exam to assess the full scope of visual processes.

Early detection and treatment of visual deficits in children with autism improves their educational and occupational opportunities.

Are you looking for an optometrist near you who is sensitive and knowledgeable about helping the neuro-diverse community? We welcome you to schedule a developmental eye exam at Amplify EyeCare Chattanooga. Our optometrists have extensive experience, the latest technology, advanced treatments, and a neuro-diverse friendly approach to provide advanced care to patients with ASD, Downs, Cerebral Palsy, Non-Verbal Learning Disorder, and all members of the neuro-diverse community. Parents visit us from Hixson and the surrounding communities. To schedule a developmental eye exam call us at (423) 710 3965 or Book an Appointment .

This article was originally written by Dr. Carl Garbus of Amplify EyeCare Santa Clarita and published by the American Optometric Association.

Why do children with autism need optometric care from an eyecare professional?

There is so much that eye doctors can do to help children with developmental disabilities. Eye doctors can play an important role in exposing and presenting this information to parents, as many don't realize that a child with learning problems needs a visual examination.

Approximately 70% to 80% of what we learn is through our visual system. If a child is having difficulty learning, there may be a visual disconnect or a poor integration with auditory and vestibular systems. Through proper vision therapy, visual, auditory, and vestibular systems work together more efficiently, and this facilitates learning. Occupational therapy and optometric vision rehabilitation can improve the functioning of autistic children significantly. The therapy program emphasizes multi-sensory stimulation.

Sensory overload can be a challenge for children on the autism spectrum as well as doctors of optometry. They must be taken care of at an optometry practice.

Why do children with autism need optometric care from an eyecare professional?

A child with autism may have limited interests, making it difficult to engage them in some learning activities.
Developmental delays are also common among children with autism. A delay can interfere with memory, communication, coordination, logic, and the ability to perform simple tasks independently.
Autism can also lead to problems with language development and speech delays, which is one of the first signs of autism.
It is common for children with autism to lack focus and find it difficult to concentrate at school.
They may have difficulty communicating non-verbally and therefore, struggle with making eye contact, expressing facial expressions, using body language, moving and touching.

How do we provide eye care for children with autism at Amplify EyeCare Chattanooga?

Start by earning the patient's trust

Children with autism are afraid of doctors and do not want to go to them. Therefore, you should bring toys, books, games, whatever your child enjoys, to the evaluation. The exam room is child-friendly, with a variety of toys and videos to occupy and soothe children. It provides our eye doctor with an opportunity to observe their behavior as they play with whatever object they are interested in.

Ensure that the evaluation is conducted in a relaxed environment

Such children may be sensitive to bright light and other things. Therefore, we do not do our evaluation in a hurry. We take time to understand the child's needs and make appropriate modifications to meet them.

What tests are important in an eye exam for children with autism?

Lang Stereo Test
Child fixation targets that flash, make sounds and move
The Hirschberg test
The Bruckner test
Use skiascopy bars to perform retinoscopy

Learn more about the patient's history

We try to learn about the patient's history. By sending a questionnaire to the parents early, we try to obtain the necessary information before the appointment. Because parents are the ones who spend the most time with their child. In that questionnaire, parents are asked to fill out an extensive symptoms checklist. Below are some examples of questions that could be included in the questionnaire:

What does your child eat throughout the day?
Do they have a special diet?
Do they suffer from light sensitivity?
Do they squint while reading?

Collaborate with other health care providers

We also inquire about the child’s pediatrician and what types of treatments the child is currently receiving. We also collaborate with other health care providers, including occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech therapists, in order to better understand the child's behavior and provide better care.

Common Questions

What can parents do to prepare their child with autism for an eye exam?

It may be helpful to prepare the child for the eye exam in advance by explaining the process and letting them know what to expect. Using visual supports, such as pictures or videos, may also be helpful in preparing the child for the exam. If your child is on the spectrum and is experiencing vision problems or displaying signs that there may be an undiagnosed vision issue, call us to schedule an evaluation today at (423) 710 3965. We are proud to be a leading provider of advanced eye care for neuro diverse patients from Hixson, Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Middle Valley.

What is the impact of autism on a child's vision?

Autism can affect vision and eye health in a number of ways. Some individuals with ASD may experience vision problems, including difficulty with eye tracking, eye teaming, and visual processing. They may also be sensitive to light or glare, or have difficulty with visual perception. It is important for individuals with ASD to receive regular eye exams to ensure that any vision problems are identified and treated as necessary. If your child has autism and is experiencing vision problems, call us to schedule an evaluation today at (423) 710 3965. We are proud to be a leading provider of advanced eye care conveniently located in Hixson.

Looking for an eye doctor near you for a child with Autism?

Many parents are not aware that children with autism suffer from learning problems and need a developmental eye exam with our eye doctor. About 70-80% of what we learn is through our vision. Problems with their vision will affect their ability to read and comprehend. Through vision therapy, it is possible to improve the learning of children with special needs. To schedule a developmental eye exam for your child, please call (423) 710 3965. Patients with developmental vision issues visit our clinic from all over Tennessee, and we are proud to be a leading provider of pediatric and developmental vision services for patients from Hixson, Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Middle Valley.

Learn More

Convergence Excess: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Experiencing Symptoms of Convergence Excess? Visit Our Optometrist for a Functional Eye Exam

Learn about the Visual Conditions that Can Cause Strabismus

The various visual conditions that can cause strabismus, including amblyopia, esotropia, exotropia, down syndrome, cranial nerve palsies, etc.

Strabismus Treatment in : Understanding Symptoms, Treatment, Causes, Diagnosis, and Prevention

Early detection and treatment of strabismus is important to prevent further visual problems and maintain good eye health.

Exotropia: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Exotropia is a type of strabismus where one eye turns outward. If you suspect that you may have exotropia, please see our optometrist for a treatment plan.

Understanding Accommodative Insufficiency: What It Is, Symptoms and Impact on Learning and Work

Accommodative insufficiency causes eyestrain and headaches when focusing on nearby objects. Visit our eye doctor for proper treatment.

The Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial (CITT)

Best treatment for convergence insufficiency? In-office vision therapy proved most effective in the Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial.

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Testimonials

Vision therapy is well worth the response, time and effort. Our Son had a hard time focusing and writing neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time if previously took. His abilities to focus improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent, we wanted learning to be fun for our Son, and vision therapy made this possible.

Amanda T.

Vision Therapy is well worth the expense, time and effort. Our son had a hard time focusing handwriting neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time it previously took his abilities to focus and improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent you wanted learning to be fun for our son and vision therapy made this possible.

Alexa H.

Vision Therapy has given or son the tools he needs to be able to scan and read the written word more effectively and efficiently.

He love working with John and these working sessions give him the motivation to gladly work on his homework assignments.

It amazed us to see the difference in the tracking of his eyes and along a line of it's from the beginning to the end of the treatment.

Dr. McBryar , Kristen and John are all marvelous and we would recommend them to anyone I only wish that we would have found them sooner!

Charlotte M.

Prior to coming to the institute for vision development my son complained of daily headaches. Therapy has eliminated his headaches completely. I love knowing my son is able to learn pain-free for the rest of his life because of the work that has been done over just a few weeks in this office. He he absolutely loved coming that didn't even feel like going to a doctor or therapy. We are grateful for the relief he was able to find by coming here.

Thank you!

Olivia C.

Seems much less frustrated with life

Reads non-stop and fast

Spelling abilities have been hugely improved

Seems much more confident

Thank You!!!

Kelly O.

When we first came to the practice, my son did not have huge issues, but lots of small ones- trouble with reading, sports (hitting the baseball consistently), coordination, etc- that were not easily detectable,but when put together presented issues. The staff here were all very professional and loving towards him. While I was concerned in the reading, my son was concerned with the athletic side. Seeing improvement night off the bat gave him confidence that i have nor seen in him and made him want to not only Come to therapy, but also made him want to work hard. He has surpassed his grade level and above in reading and hit his first home run this year! Thank you!!!