Vision therapy is a powerful tool that goes beyond simply correcting eyesight; it can significantly impact the lives of children with special needs, such as autism. This was the case for eight-year-old Chris Case, a third grader at Arlington Elementary, who struggled with reading and behavior issues in school. Diagnosed with autism, Chris had undergone various therapies, but his parents were introduced to a new approach that would change everything: vision therapy.
Struggles With Reading and Behavior
Chris’ journey began with speech and occupational therapy at Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital, which helped in certain areas but didn’t address his core struggles with reading. His behavior, particularly during reading time, became a daily concern for his teachers and parents. Rebecca, Chris’ mother, recalls how difficult reading time was for him: “We would hear daily reports from his teacher that he got upset when it was reading time and he would run out of the classroom.” Despite his speech and other therapies, Chris continued to struggle in the classroom and at home, leaving his parents searching for more effective solutions.
Introducing Vision Therapy
A recommendation from Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation led Harold and Rebecca to seek out Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD, a specialist in pediatric eye care, at the Children’s Vision and Learning Center in Versailles. Although skeptical at first, Rebecca and Harold took Chris to the center, where he began working with Pat Thomas, an expert in vision therapy. During his evaluation, it became clear that Chris’ eyes were not functioning together properly, making reading and focusing on visual tasks extremely difficult for him.
How Prism Glasses and Therapy Helped
One of the key components of Chris’ vision therapy was the use of prism glasses. These glasses, combined with therapeutic exercises, helped correct issues of convergence, which is the ability to focus both eyes on the same object. As a result, Chris could finally focus on the printed words in front of him. According to Harold, “As soon as he started Vision Therapy, we saw a big difference in school and at home.”
Chris’ improvement was almost immediate. He began to participate more in his special education classroom, and his behavior during reading time shifted from avoidance to engagement. Rebecca noticed that as the therapy sessions progressed, Chris started reading more with his teacher, Angie Sidwell. By the end of his therapy, Chris was not only reading whole books but also engaging in conversations that made sense to others.
A Life-Changing Transformation
The transformation in Chris was remarkable. His reading skills improved, his behavior issues subsided, and most importantly, his ability to communicate with others developed significantly. Rebecca, who had spent years struggling to help her son, was overjoyed by the progress. “It was as if Chris’ world started to open up,” she said. “I am extremely excited about Chris continuing to succeed and grow.”
Schedule Your Child’s Vision Evaluation Today
If your child is struggling with reading or behavior issues, there could be more to the problem than meets the eye. At the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, located in Versailles and serving the greater Lexington area, as well as Somerset, we specialize in pediatric vision therapy that can help children like Chris unlock their full potential. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD, call us today at 859-879-0089.
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.