Insights into the Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients within the Autism Spectrum: A Patient’s Story

Torgerson NG. Insights into optometric evaluations of patients on the autism spectrum. Optom Vis Dev 2009;40(3):176-183.

The incidence of those being diagnosed within the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) appears to be soaring. Those on the spectrum have many sensory issues which include difficulty coping with visual information. With many signs and symptoms associated with ASD, it would be easy to assume that autism itself is the problem and to overlook vision information processing as an important component that produces some of these signs and symptoms. Comprehensive eye and vision evaluations can be challenging for the doctor because of the patient’s lack of ability to communicate in the traditional way of answering questions and giving verbal feedback. The individual with ASD may be fearful and display problematic behaviors. One must be attuned to how each individual communicates and discover what the behaviors may mean. Supplemental probes to traditional optometric clinical methods are needed to insure that visual needs are revealed. Lenses, yoked prisms and vision therapy can be helpful in addressing any vision information processing deficits. Treatment progress should be measured with quality of life changes as well as standard optometric assessment tools. Our patient, NT’s story highlights these challenges. This paper aids the optometrist in obtaining insights into
this disorder and seizing the opportunity to think creatively to help change lives for those within the autistic spectrum.

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