A regular eye exam will not find some of these issues. Even at a world-famous clinic!
There were certainly some things that I did not buy as to what the therapist was saying. But, since my kid has never "fit the norm" I don't know what to think. It seems I'm always hearing - "Well, that's highly unusual. I don't recall ever seeing a child with this... or who does that...." So, just because she's telling me that most kids with visual convergence issues do this and ds does NOT do that - doesn't necessarily mean much to me. I do know he has these issues - since I am now starting to realize that I do.
She did tell me that it doesn't surprise her at all that he can't catch a ball well - his depth perception is so poor. I guess I want to give him the best chance I can and I think he WANTS to do these things and before he gets totally frustrated and wants to give up on doing these things that are hard for him - well, I'd like to help him if I can.
I know it's controversial, but apparently the American Medical Association has approved it. The Pediatric Ophtalmological Association is starting to change its position after many studies have been done. We are hopeful that insurance will cover part of it because he has a MEDICAL diagnosis of strabismus.
Anyway, if anyone else has any thoughts, I'm happy to hear them - this is not something to enter into lightly!
[QUOTE=snoopywoman]I know it's controversial, but apparently the American Medical Association has approved it. The Pediatric Ophtalmological Association is starting to change its position after many studies have been done.
[/QUOTE]
THAT is good to know ...
Thanks Erin! Anyone else have any thoughts/experiences on this?Well ... vision therapy IS controversial, but an OT I know and respect thinks it is okay.
DH who had many symptoms of autism as a child (in retrospect) and was dx'd as MR until 13 when they gave him a spatial-visual exam, has a TERRIBLE wandering eye and very odd convergence problems, he is still a VERY slow reader.
T does not seem to have a vision problem but I need to get her checked and the aforesaid OT recommended someone ...
Well, after posting that - I did a search for more info. They are not actually endorsing behavioral vision therapy - but rather orthoptics, which is eye exercises to help improve conditions like my son's. I now need to find out what Minnesota Vision Therapy uses - and I think it is the behavioral vision therapy.
Again, though - I have heard lots of good anecdotal evidence from people. Unfortunately, I think that insurance will not cover it now that I have done more investigating. I know that TEFRA will cover part - so I will keep pursuing to see!
Well, we went today for the report from ds' vision therapy evaluation. They feel he has serious issues with visual convergence and a medical diagnosis of strabismus. Since this is a medical diagnosis, complete with ICD-9 codes and all, we are hoping that (after a fight) insurance will cover some of the therapy.
I was a little put off by the therapist at first. She said that she bets that ds' eye is often wandering when we look back in the backseat. I have to say I have NEVER seen that happen - and I look back there too frequently when driving (or so dh tells me!). I noticed it when he was a baby, but Mayo basically told me I was dreaming and that his eyes were fine. I do notice convergence issues and he even told me yesterday that he doesn't need to move his eyes when he is looking at a book - he just moves his head! Which obviously is part of the problem...
Anyway, the cost will be less initially because he can't take the test for the formal vision therapy program until he is 7. They do a guided vision program that is significantly cheaper for kids who are under 7, which involves weekly session with a therapist and then 20-30 minute practice sessions with me almost every night. Yikes! But, I figure if we do it NOW, he will have less homework in kindergarten, so a little more free time to do this. At least more than what he will have in later years! And, if we can get this done now - he will hopefully be able to not have this issue as he is learning more advanced reading skills. Apparently, this is a significant deterrent to learning to read because it causes a lot of eye strain and headaches. It is hard for him to follow along because his eyes don't work well together.
I have to say I have noticed that - but not to the extent the therapist was trying to say. I just don't like when they try to make assumptions - you know what that does! I think I will probably ask to have a different therapist for his actual therapy... which is entirely possible as she doesn't work very many days.
I have mixed feelings about this - but they apparently have a 95% success rate where kids go from having these symptoms to having no symptoms at all. I want to know what the drop-out rate is though - that should be interesting...
Anyway, wish us luck! And, if anyone has any experience with this (either positive or negative), I'm happy to hear it! I posted about it before and got a little feedback, but not much. I thought I'd ask again as we have some new members...
Snoopywoman...as you see I am new here, but I too am interested in this issue. DH had a lazy eye when younger. Older son with very slight autistic tendencies has headaches often, especially after reading and video games.
Liam has always had very odd eye stims. One eye wanders ever so slightly, but obviously not enough for the experts to find anything "wrong" with his vision. He also spins while keeping his eyes directed on one focal point. Finally, he knows his letters and we often wonder if he is reading as he spends long periods of time reading books. Happy Potter is his recent favorite. He nevers moves his head when looking at books, etc.
After noticing this, I googled and ended up finding a video made by a Dad doing eye exercises with his son. He posts on youtube under "PhilCommander". Although I have found many of his videos, I am unable to find the one I want to share with you. I will message him. If he reponds, I will post it.
I was suprised to find the following youtube video regarding depth perception issues often found in autistics. I always knew Liam had sensory issues, but it never occurred to me that his vision may be an issue. Duh....eyes are a sensory organ, right? I guess I never thought about it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Stq_fqKqF74
Sorry, I have nothing to offer regarding your specific diagnosis. However, I will ask my friends, many having children on the spectrum
Erin...Mom to four..