ASD, ADHD, and vision problems

Post Reply New Topic

So....more testing, more information comes to light...

School's perspective last year - Poor reader, needs more practice (although he reads a chapter book a day and tested reading at college level...wth?!?). Refuses to follow along while teacher is reading, reads ahead when told not to - non-compliant, argues. Again this year 'needs more practice'.

PDD-NOS diagnosis. Not diagnosed ADHD (considered part of PDD-NOS, can't diagnose both) but told he has all the symptoms. Neuropsych says that is why his IQ score was low (compared to previous tests - 30 point difference) and wasn't valid because of how he scored on the other tests (99th% on knowledge, memory and other tests done at Neuropsych). He just has trouble test taking and reading because of his ADHD, lack of attention, tries to rush through everything and doesn't take the time to read.

Developmental Optometrist testing completed. Doc says he line jumps and word skips while reading (with his glasses on). This causes anxiety and behavior problems in class when asked to read aloud or follow along while the teacher is reading allowed. He knows it will be hard so he gets worked up and doesn't want to do it. He likely prefers to read alone, at home, where there are no expectations, he can re-read lines as necessary, no anxiety, no pressure, hence the book a day reading at home. Also, at school he probably has to concentrate so hard w/ his eyes to follow along, they hurt after only a few mintutes.

I think the eye doc has it right on. We have been seeing an optometrist every year for the past 10 years. All of them said glasses are the only treatment, no medical diagnosis. We now have a medical diagnosis and a treatment plan. Isn't that amazing? I only had to go to one of the best and most expensive optometrists in the country....that specializes in exceptional children.

10 years of being told there is no treatment, vision is fine with glasses....amazing.

Just wanted to add - vision is not the main problem he is having. The glasses do their job to help with vision. The problem is that his brain is not controlling his eye. His eyes are unable to coordinate, he has major strain keeping both eyes concentrating on one thing. Plus when he does this he ends up with no peripheral vision in either eye (right eye already has limited peripheral vision) and he gets tunnel vision. The line skipping and all that is from lack of eye coordination. The therapy is to teach his brain to make his eyes work together. The doc explained to me that optometrists only like to look at pathology, which is why they never tested him more - it is too time consuming and the financial pay off is not worth the work for the testing and treatment.

You are saying that the caffeine stabalized his vision, not his concentration? That is very interesting. I have heard of the caffiene/ADHD link/treatment before but have never researched it. Is this to say he didn't have ADHD?

Look up Irlen's Syndrome or photoscopic sensitivity.

Interesting. I know my son has what are called "tracking problems" and "transferring problems," but we never got anything near that thorough an analysis. My son was given lots of eye tracking exercises at school, and a ruler for reading; the board copying issue I don't remember further details on, just that it was tested as a visual problem. I do know that with the specialized help during 2 or 3 of his elementary school years, things improved and he no longer needs the tools. I suspect that something similar will help with the issues your son has: basic exercises to help his brain learn to put things together. Schools have several that can help a variety of issues; they may not always know the exact cause, but they do have strategies that time has proven work on many things. So, do talk to the school about it, as well.

I am really glad to see you getting so many answers for your child. It is amazing how the information just floods out once the right gate gets opened, isn't it?

It is amazing....the most amazing part of this whole process is the (near) misdiagnosis of things. I obviously trust this eye doctor - his testing has revealed and explained so much. It was very expensive testing, insurance didn't cover any of it (I am submitting claims anyway), but it was so worth it.

I am going broke because of all this and I realize the amount of money I am spending ($3500+ since July for all the testing, with insurance) has a lot to do with speeding up the process of getting proper testing and diagnosis. 8 years ago, I attempted all this but gave up because I couldn't even pay my electric bill, forget about testing! I am very greatful I have been able to access this type of care (thanks to the first time homebuyer tax credit!! !!), but I am worried about my pockets running empty.

As much as I struggle, complain, cry....I know I am extremely lucky. I am so happy to have followed through w/ the eye doc, who would've thought?!?!

I can understand and relate to lot of what you are going through. Perhaps consider a program called Reading Plus...google them. I sat through an education class on them and went through the initial testing myself . The testing shows your tracking, comprehension etc then establishes the program of on-line software you should use to strengthen your eyes to work on the program. I was about to begin it with my son and I but we moved and just did not get back to it yet.

I did see nice results with the Learning Breakthrough program...google them too.. which was only $400 and 3 in my family used it for no additional charge. Learning Breakthrough has a very strong visual, balance and sensory part. It works by connecting the different pathways in your brain and also makes more of the pathways so it helps with processing and attention. My son thought it was a fun program and even reminded me he needed to do it. By helping his balance it helped him be better at sports and that then helped with his social life. Oh and I was able to take him off 4 different meds. When my son has a big test or before a football game my son jumps on the balance board and bats the ball around he says, "cause it wakes me up and makes both sides of his brain talk to each other."

I am a therapy junkie and we just keep trying all of them...but we are really seeing more improvements with each one.