My 9 yr old daughter has ADD and is currently taking Focalin which helps to a degree, but we have also been struggling with keeping focused on writing tasks. It takes forever for her to finish any assignment and she basically hates writing. I've been reading a lot about how visual-motor dysfunction might be a factor or co-occurring learning disorder and vision therapy may help.
Q: Has anyone tried Vision Therapy to help their child that has ADD/ADHD?
Answers (3)
1/14/10 12:20pm
My son also was diagnosed with ADD. My friend recommended that we take him to an eye doctor who does Vision Therapy. The doctor told us that he had trouble using his eyes together
1/14/10 12:38pm
My son also was diagnosed with ADD. Homework was taking hours and his teacher was concerned because he seemed to not be paying attention in school. He would never read on his own either. My friend recommended that we take him to an eye doctor who does Vision Therapy. The doctor told us that he had trouble using his eyes together. The problem was that our insurance does not cover the therapy and we couldn't afford it on our own. So, I did some searching on the internet and found a website where you can do it online. We haven't finished the program yet, but we have noticed improvements in his reading. It's not as stuttery or choppy like. And homework is going faster and he is more independent with it. So, I am noticing nice changes. Here's the link to the website if you are interested:
http://integrativevisionskills.com
1/21/10 7:25am
Denise,
Thanks so much for the information and web link you gave. I have never heard of Vision Therapy, but after reading the information on the website, it is deffinately something I am going to discuss with my sons doctors. He was diagnoes with ADHD at the age of 6 (he is now 16). We have tried soooo many different medications, talk therapies, and have had many test through his school and private agencies done. It amazes me that no one has ever suggested this before. He wears glasses and shows many of the signs that are listed. THANKS AGAIN..
Theresa
1/21/10 8:19pm
Theresa,
You're welcome
I have to tell you, when we told our son's pediatrician what we were doing with the vision therapy he pretty much poo poo'd the whole thing. I was pretty upset because I am seeing it help him and there was nothing that his pediatrician did to help. He suggested medications, which we did not want to do and that was about all he had to offer. I hope your doctor is more open, we're thinking of changing our pediatrician because of it.
The other night, all was quiet in the house. And you know how when it's too quiet, you know that something's up? You know your kids are doing something they shouldn't be? Well, I found my son in his room ..... READING!!!! He never reads on his own. I was floored! That was a first. So, how can my doctor tell me that I'm wasting my time, when I see these kinds of changes? Yet it's ok to dope up my kid? Uggggh. Sorry, I'm venting too much.
1/21/10 8:36pm
Vent all you want...I understand completely. I admit my son does take meds, but we both hate it. So far it has been the only thing htat has helped at all. Talk therapy twice a month and he is on an IEP...these things just don't seem to be doing a whole lot. I am willing to try anything...and I mean anything!!! I know he can do better, but so far we just haven't found what truly works for him. I put a call in to his eye dr. today to get his input and we had a talk therapy session tonight. His therapist had never heard of Vision Therapy. I am going to do a bit more research on my own while I wait for his dr's opinions and referrals. Thanks again for the input. It really helps to talk to others going through the same thing.
1/21/10 9:48am
My son was originally diagnosed with ADD in 3rd grade by a dr who diagnosed the ADD based on the fact that his two older brothers had ADD/ADHD. After taking adderall for approximately 2 years, the problems were worse than ever. (We never went back to that dr!!). In 7th grade, he had sensory integration testing which showed that he couldn't stand twirling around (which explained car sickness!) We had sensory integration testing done and took those results to a vision therapist on the recommendation of another dr who was familiar with the connection between ADD/ADHD and vision problems. After expensive vision therapy (medical insurance does not cover the costs), he went from a 1.2 GPA in the beginning of 8th grade to a 3.5 GPA at the end of 8th grade. Do I believe in vision therapy? I wish I had the money to have the older brothers do vision therapy because I do believe that the ADD is fueled by vision problems. The vision therapist we used, Dr. John Barnhart from Warren, Ohio, is absolutely AWESOME and has a poster in his office that asks, "Is it ADD or vision problems?" How many children are over drugged because schools don't have the time (or sometimes, the money) to really administer the proper vision tests or sensory testing? I would highly recommend seeing a specialist in vision therapy because they are able to tell whether there are issues that can be corrected.
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By Barbara M— Last Modified: 12/25/10, First Published: 01/14/10
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Thank you so much for the website. My insurance won't cover vision therapy either, so I wanted to ask around and see if it was worth the "out of pocket".