As researchers continue to study how living with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
diagnosis affects children, new findings are constantly being revealed. In a previous
post, we discussed how children with autism use memory differently, shedding light on
how they may learn from experiences and store them in a fixed way.
This allows us to better understand how they learn and give them the right tools to develop necessary life
skills. Similarly, understanding how ASD impacts sensory perception, particularly in the
realm of sight, can help parents and guardians of autistic children provide them with
better tools and support.
In this article, we’ll explore the latest findings and insights on the relationship between
ASD and visual processing, aiming to understand its implications for diagnosis,
intervention, and support.
The link between autism and vision issues
The relationship between ASD and vision problems is intricate, drawing from various
biological and behavioural factors. Studies have consistently shown a higher prevalence
of vision issues among individuals with ASD compared to the general population. For
instance, in an observational study of 344 children with ASD, 48.4% were found to have
refractive errors, with the most common being hyperopia and astigmatism. Meanwhile,
strabismus (misalignment of the eyes) was prevalent in 15.4% of the patients.
This connection is compounded by sensory processing differences typically observed in
ASD, affecting visual perception and attention. Research indicates that these
differences can manifest as hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to certain visual stimuli,
difficulties with visual tracking, as well as depth perception. Importantly, visual
processing difficulties in ASD impact social communication, manifesting in challenges
like interpreting facial expressions and maintaining eye contact. Yet, diagnosing vision
problems in children with ASD is further complicated by communication barriers and
atypical behaviours.
Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive vision assessments and tailored
interventions, including vision therapy and the right vision-correcting tools, some of
which we’ll go through below.
What parents and guardians can do
Paediatric optometrists play an important role in observing children during their
preschool years to detect potential ASD-related behaviours. An article from Optometry
Times highlights that undergoing regular eye exams is essential in children with ASD in
order to treat ocular manifestations like strabismus, refractive errors, and reduced
vision. It is crucial to evaluate and treat vision-related learning problems to ensure
vision is not the limiting factor in a patient’s education. For this, guardians can look for
eye care providers who offer non-verbal eye exams, where they match shapes or letters
rather than reading them out loud. Otherwise, it’s best to fully prepare your child for an
eye exam so that they know what to expect. Ideally, you should also inform the
optometrist of your child’s specific needs so that they can make necessary
accommodations.
The considerations when evaluating Vision
Eyeglasses are another important factor to consider for children with ASD and refractive
errors. However, sensory issues may lead to challenges in wearing glasses
consistently. For this, psychologist Dr. Stephanie Weber recommends first building your
child’s tolerance with a practice pair of inexpensive glasses. Once your child has grown
used to wearing spectacles consistently, involve them in choosing their permanent
glasses. Oakley offers options like the Spindrift and Pitchman R Carbon models, which
are made of O-Matter material to ensure frames are lightweight and durable, minimising
sensory overload. The arms and nose pads also feature non-slip material to keep them
from slipping down the face.
Meanwhile, for children with light sensitivity or photophobia, research published in
Displays outlines the development of smart dimming sunglasses to manage light and
meet users’ visual needs. Unlike traditional sunglasses and existing global dimming
eyewear that have limitations in complex lighting scenarios, this new system provides
flexible, location-based light modulation. This therefore allows for tailored visual
experiences, enabling users to comfortably navigate varying lighting conditions without
compromising visibility. For options that are already available on the market, try
TheraSpecs or even sunglasses brands like Ray-Ban to manage photophobia.
As our understanding of ASD continues to evolve, it is clear that vision plays a pivotal
role in shaping the sensory experiences and everyday challenges faced by children on
the spectrum. For parents and guardians seeking more helpful resources like this, visit
the Living on the Spectrum website, where you can find a free national and spectrum
directory as well as other ASD resources