Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental condition, presents profound implications for affected children, including compromised social functioning and distinct sensory processing. Children with ASD often exhibit unique visual behaviours such as limited eye contact, fascination with spinning objects or light, fleeting peripheral glances, and challenges in coordinating central and peripheral vision. Early interventions, particularly through visual cognitive therapy, play a pivotal role in enhancing their quality of life and outcomes.
An insightful panel discussion organized by India Vision Institute (IVI) in collaboration with VisionPlus shed light on the multifaceted implications of ASD. The discussion unveiled how children with ASD perceive and process sensory stimuli differently, shedding light on the optometric profile of ASD. Despite having normal visual acuity, these children often demonstrate atypical eye movements and may be susceptible to visuomotor deficits, higher prevalence of conditions like strabismus, and increased likelihood of refractive errors. ASD children might also struggle with attention and complex visual tasks, with potential compromise in retinal structure and function.
Dr Sahithya Bhaskaran, Medical Consultant, Paediatric Ophthalmology & Adult Strabismus Services, Aravind Eye Hospital, highlighted that many ASD children face challenges in discerning visual stimuli and identifying emotions, often exhibiting features of cerebral visual impairment. This difficulty can manifest in learning disabilities and other behavioural disabilities affecting functional and perceptual vision.
The prevalence of vision impairment among ASD children and its identification were focal points of the discussion. Aditya Goyal, Principal of Sankara College of Optometry, Bangalore, emphasized that vision impairments among autistic children are more common, often leading to cerebral or functional vision impairment, characterized by an inability to integrate central and peripheral vision.
Early detection emerged as pivotal for implementing effective therapy, with Preeti Sharma, Senior Clinical Optometrist (Paediatric) & Orthoptist, Dr Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital, underscoring its role in improving perceptual skills and quality of life for ASD children.
However, the panel acknowledged the challenge of finding effective therapies for every child, emphasizing the necessity for an interdisciplinary approach. Nivedha Santharam, Behavioral Optometrist & Vision Therapist, Kids Care – Children’s Clinic & Paediatric Neurology Center, stressed the need for tailored strategies that integrate various therapeutic inputs to suit the unique needs of each child.
The discussion highlighted the importance of visual cognitive therapy, underscoring the value of an empathetic and flexible approach to therapy that recognizes each child's uniqueness. The involvement of parents in therapy, acknowledging ASD individuals as capable, and the need for individualized therapy strategies that evolve with the child's changing needs were key takeaways.
The dialogue emphasized the need for personalized, multidisciplinary approaches and empathetic therapeutic strategies to ensure holistic development and improved outcomes for children with ASD.
This blog first appeared on VisionPlus Magazine as part of an IVI-VisionPlus Panel Discussion
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