The
Similarities Between Dyslexia,
ADD, ADHD and Vision Disorders
Dyslexia, ADD, and ADHD
all show symptoms that are similar to vision disorders. For this reason, it is
not uncommon for children and adults to be labeled with a learning disability
but actually suffer from a vision disorder.
Dyslexia
A diagnosis of dyslexia has been known to be confused with vision disorders
such as eye tracking, eye teaming, and perceptual problems. Each of these
visual problems cause numbers, letters, and words to perceivably jump or move
around on the page.
When a child tests with 20/20 vision (with or without
lenses), the diagnosis of a visual disorder is commonly written off and substituted with a diagnosis of dyslexia instead.
By improving the
eye tracking, eye teaming, and perceptual skills, the individual who was once
labeled as dyslexic can be relieved of their
symptoms.
ADD or ADHD
As with dyslexia, ADD and ADHD can also be confused with a vision disorder.
Both ADD and ADHD involve problems with
restlessness, attention span, and frustration in and out of the classroom or
workplace. This, however, can also be true for an individual who is trying to
compensate for a vision disorder.
The only way to determine if an individual has a vision disorder versus
a learning disability is with a comprehensive developmental vision evaluation.
The evaluation goes beyond the tradition eye screening and takes a look at
visual skills needed to succeed in everyday life.
