Vision & Attention Problems
Some children with learning difficulties exhibit behaviours of impulsivity, hyperacitivity and distractibility. Mostly, children with these symptoms are labelled "Attention Deficit Disorder" (ADD) or "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" (ADHD).
A missed or hidden vision problem can give rise to the very same signs and symptoms that are attributed to ADD/ADHD. Due to these similarities, all children with symptoms and signs of ADD/ADHD should undergo a comprehensive vision assessment to avoid misdiagnosis. A recent study also showed that children who are diagnosed with ADD/ADHD are 3 times more likely to suffer from a common vision disorder, called "convergence insufficiency". This disorder can further burden children with attention problems. However, the good news is that research has proven that it can be effectively treated with office-based vision therapy (hyperlink to vision therapy).
Symptoms that are common to both ADD/ADHD and some learning related vision problems include:
- Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
- Often has difficulty sustaining attention in activities
- Often does not listen when spoken to directly
- Often does not follow through on instructions or fails to finish work
- Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
- Often avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to engage in tasks requiring sustained mental effort
- Often distracted by stimuli
- Often fidgets or squirms in seat
- Often talks excessively
- Often loses things
What is the link?
Many people find it hard to imagine how these symptoms could be related to a vision problem! But a vision problem is not just about how clearly a child sees (sight or "20/20"), but can involve problems with the small focusing or eye teaming muscles, eye tracking/movement or visual perception (also known as visual processing).
Vision is such a complex process – can you afford to assume it is working properly in your child? For a more comprehensive list of symptoms, take our symptom test now.
If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, contact us today for a comprehensive assessment. A simple sight check is not enough. Your child will benefit from:
- our caring approach,
- our specialised tests
- our expertise and knowledge of the link between vision and learning.
When it comes to your child's future, we leave no stone unturned in our quest to help them reach their true and best potential. Click here to request a consultation.
Ph: 07 5520 5900