Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a range of childhood developmental conditions characterized by social, behavioural, and communication deficits. Many individuals with ASD have concurrent vision and visual processing problems, often at a higher incidence than their unaffected peers, that can affect sensory integration and other sensory-processing abilities.
Vision therapy aims to enhance visual system function and to improve the neurological connections between the eyes and brain to help people with ASD better perceive what their eyes see and make better sense of their environment. At OptimEyes Optometry, we tailor our approach to meet the specific visual needs of individuals with ASD, ensuring a supportive and personalised experience.
In addition we may use carefully designed lenses and other devices to further improve their visual comfort and abilities. If you’re looking for support, searching for an eye test near me can be a good first step in identifying and addressing visual concerns associated with ASD.
Research has found that vision therapy may benefit individuals with autism by improving or correcting the vision deficits and helping to develop eye-contact and gaze, visual attention, central and peripheral integration, visual-spatial abilities, posture and balance, visual efficiency, and eye movement.
Common visual signs associated with ASD include:
- Poor fixation
- Eye movement
- Strabismus and Amblyopia Turned and Lazy eyes
- Integrating peripheral with central vision
- Poor convergence
- Poor binocular function
An optometry assessment and treatment is focussed on improving visual function and concurrent vision deficits, which in turn should help a child with autism to better their ability to manage activities of daily living such as school and social interactions.
Our experienced optometrist is skilled in working with patients with autism spectrum disorders. You may need to make a few visits to the clinic to allow the person to become more comfortable with the new environment. We will often schedule two visits to ensure we cover all the testing required.
For more information, please call us at 02 9982 1039.
