Vision Rehabilitation and Autism
Dr. Jeffery Becker, OD
Neuro-Sensory Center of Eastern Pennsylvania, Kingston, PA (USA)
Dr. Jeffrey Becker, OD, is the Director of Vision Services of the Neurosensory Center of Eastern Pennsylvania in Kingston, USA. He has been practicing as a primary care optometrist and specializing in vision rehabilitation since 1983 and is a member of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association, a DAN! practitioner, and a Certified Neurosensory Clinician.
Abstract
HOW VISION AND SIGHT AFFECT THE AUTISTIC INDIVIDUAL
Eighty percent of what is learned is through visual processing. That being said, vision and sight are two different areas that are often overlooked in the evaluation and treatment of ASD patients. This lecture will discuss the differences between sight and vision and how they affect those with ASD. Items to be discussed are eye muscle coordination, eye focusing, eye contact, visual stimming, and vestibular and propreoceptive deficiencies and how they are related in the ASD individual. The participants will learn about specific theories in treatment through the review of individual case studies and active involvement in functional demonstrations. A power point presentation will also be used to enhance understanding. By the end of the lecture, participants will have greater knowledge of how vision and sight affect ASD patients, the importance of comprehensive functional vision evaluations, and some of the most successful theories in treatment. This lecture is best suited for professionals who treat ASD individuals, such as physicians and occupational, physical, and speech therapists, as well as the families and caregivers of those on the Spectrum.