April 24, 2013
Re: Vision’s Role in Learning, Behaviour, and Therapy
Hello OT’s!
I hope you’re all enjoying a sunny day, wherever you are in
this great Province!
It was a real treat to share thoughts on the role of vision
in child behaviour with the Edmonton regional pediatric OT interest group this
past Saturday (April 20). OT’s, it seems, are much more attuned to the simple logic that
vision plays a key role in child development than many other child development
workers. I mean it when I say that the most valuable piece of diagnostic
information I need, as a doctor focusing on child visual development, is the
thorough and thoughtful assessment of an occupational therapist.
Here are a few things for your professional interest:
a.
This is an excellent review of visual dysfunction
in a comparison of children with IEPs (Individualized Education Plan) vs. those
who did not require them.
b.
Note this paper was published via ophthalmology,
not optometry where most of this research has been done traditionally. This is
a reflection of a growing recognition that a) vision is important, and b) you
can manipulate it to benefit child development.
c.
Among other observations, the fact is most
children with visual impediments go on to be diagnosed with other endogenous,
so-called ‘neurobiological’ concerns, undergo oftentimes arduous testing and
treatment, and cost taxpayers countless millions in wasted funds.
d.
This document is homologous and complementary to
my soon to be published paper ‘Visual Impediments to Learning’, co-authored
with University of Lethbridge psychologist Dr. Noëlla Piquette. If you do not
have a copy of this paper, please write to me at info@dvvc.ca
(my clinic address in Black Diamond.)
a.
Observations of saccadic behaviour is quick and
provides excellent clinical insight into a child’s current neurodevelopmental
status, health, reading prospects, and clues into other behaviours such as ADHD
concerns.
b.
Saccadic measurements are also a great way to
track progress of therapy, such as with vestibular treatments.
4
See attached ‘VIL Symptom Checklist and Notes.pdf’.
It’s pretty well self-explanatory. Feel free to pass this around to colleagues,
teachers and parents, and to use in your own clinics.
5.
Finally, always remember to recommend vision
exams to your clients’ parents. ALL children need to have vision assessed,
whether they appear to have difficulty with vision or not. Remember: A full
vision exam requires more than simply checking health and visual acuity. (There
was a referral template circulated on this list recently, let me know if you
need a copy: info@dvvc.ca).
I hope you find this information helpful. Feel free to write
or call the clinic if you need help or have questions.
Sincerely,
Dr. Charles Boulet
403-933-5552
