Learning Difficulties - Good News!

February 14, 2004

by Russel Lazarus
B.Optom (Hons) Grad Cert (UNSW)

One of the aspects contibuting significantly to a learning delay is problems with the child's visual system. Optometrists are now playing a pivotal role in the diagnosis and treatment of the visual problems contributing to a learning delay. It is critical to have a child’s eyes examined if you receive any indication that your child may have a learning delay.

How Do I Know if My Child Has a Learning Delay?

The symptoms of a learning delay can vary greatly from child to child, but you must take further action if you notice any of the following;

• 
  • Child not Performing at School to Potential
  • Re-reads Long Passages with Reduced Comprehension
  • Slower Reading
  • Reduced Attention in Classroom
  • Poor Attention for Homework
  • Spelling Difficulties
  • Reverses Letters or Words
  • Poor Mathematics
  • Poor Memory
  • Difficulty pronouncing Long Words
  • Repeats same Errors with Reading
  • Works Close to the Page (< 20 cms)

Any time you or a teacher feel your child is not performing satisfactorily – please ensure they have an eye examination

If you notice any of the above, it may be that your child needs assistance in developing the skills required for efficient learning and school achievement.

Are Learning Difficulties Common ?

Yes, they are.
Recent University studies show;

• 30% of ALL children have a Visual Issue affecting School Performance (University of NSW, 2002)
• 40% of children diagnosed with a “Learning Delay” have a Visual Problem

That is, 10 children in every class can have some type of visual issue affecting their learning and school performances.
Many of these children are very intelligent, happy children – they just don’t learn the same way.

My Child has been Diagnosed with ADD – Can that Affect his Learning?

Yes, ADD and ADHD are conditions which can certainly affect a child’s ability to learn as quickly as his friends.

In fact there are now many conditions which can create learning issues, including;
• ADD and ADHD
• Dyslexia
• Asperger’s Syndrome
• Non Verbal Learning Disorder (NLD)
• Lazy Eye
• Down Syndrome
• Auditory Processing Difficulties
• Poor Gross or Fine Motor Control

Who Can Help Treat My Child?

All Optometrists are trained to examine the basic vision and eye health of children.
Some optometrists gain a further specialized training in the assessment of children and specifically the visual problems contributing to learning difficulties.
This specialized course is offered only as a post graduate course and is called “Behavioural Optometry”.

What is the Usual Treatment?

Here is the good news.
The computer has now become a very important tool in the examination of our eyes.
It is also used in the treatment of the visual aspects possibly causing the learning delay.

The latest computer program to treat issues with child’s eyes is called HTS/PTS.

HTS/PTS – The Good News - Fun Treatment of Learning Difficulties

These are computerised programs designed to treat the visual problems contributing to the learning delay.
Developed by 2 Leading American Eye Doctors, with over 30 years experience in children.
Dr Jeff Cooper and Dr Sidney Groffman are Clinical Professors at State University College of Optometry, New York.

• Use 3-D Games
• Lots of FUN
• These require the child to follow 3-D images as they move on the screen
• Develop the child’s thinking and learning skills
• The computer records the child’s eye movements and provides an accurate score of performance
• These programs are fun, and most children see them as “games”
• The computer provides a score after each session and uses gold stars and colourful images to engage and motivate the child.
These programs can only be prescribed by Optometrists.

What Do I Do Now?

If you have ANY concerns with the educational performances of your child, ensure they receive an eye examination.
The Optometrists will provide you with an extensive examination and outline if the eyes are not performing adequately or could be causing a learning delay.

Russel Lazarus
B.Optom (Hons) Grad Cert (UNSW)