Developmental vision for the neurodiverse

Published on

October 17, 2022

Neurodiversity refers to the range of ways in which people experience the world, both at school and at work, as well as through their social relationships. An estimated 15-20% of the world's population exhibits some form of neurodivergence, likely as a result of genetics as well as environmental factors.

The neurodiverse population begins as early as infancy, and can continue into adulthood for those who suffer strokes or head injuries. Many teenage athletes suffer concussions while playing sports. Adults are no different.

What vision problems does a neurodiverse child may experience?

In the event that children have difficulties with their natural development, we can anticipate visual problems which may include:

Nearsightedness
Farsightedness
Lazy eye
Eye turns or misaligned eyes
Depth perception
Coordination between both eyes
Focusing the eyes
Visual information processing

When should a neurodiverse child see a behavioral optometrist?

Children who are premature or who have developmental issues in their families should visit our behavioral optometrist. The AOA had established a wonderful program called InfantSEE, where a number of behavioral optometrists, developmental optometrists screened children under 12 months of age. That's brilliant, because that's where we begin to see how the brain develops.

Can behavioral optometrists help your neurodiverse child?

It is imperative that children see our behavioral optometrist at an early stage if they have cerebral palsy, down syndrome or have neuro-divergent development that may impact their vision. This will allow us to determine if there are possible or potential problems that could cause visual difficulties. The goal is to give these children as much opportunity as possible to develop normally so that they can have confidence or be able to use their visual system effectively. It is going to allow them to have an independent life and not struggle.

Seeing a behavioral optometrist is very important since we can explore a wide range of vision-related topics, and we can help guide the treatment, whether we do it in our office or in conjunction with rehab facilities or with other professionals such as occupational therapists, physical therapists and speech therapists. This can improve the quality of life.

Testimonials

I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.

Claire A.

Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.

Jim K.

My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!

Teresa S.

The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.

Joe M.

I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.

Kayla W.

This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.

Very professional staff and pleasant.