Autism Seeing the Vision Connection

Thanks to Dr. Dan Fortenbacher & Nancy Torgerson for forwarding this information!

From Temple Grandin to Moms Fighting Autism…seeing the vision connection

Statistics from the Autism Society shows that autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the US. Current studies are suggesting that Autism is occurring in 1 in 110 children with nearly 1.5 million living with this condition. Autism is a spectrum disorder that typically includes pervasive developmental delays in sensory processing. One critical area to a child with Autism can be vision development.

One of the most famous adults with autism is Temple Grandin, PhD., who has been able to rise above the challenges associated with autism. Her story is now being told in the HBO full length feature film entitled  Temple Grandin, staring critically acclaimed actor, Claire Danes. As a testament to her ability to apply herself, Dr. Grandin describes the impact of her vision in her book, Thinking in Pictures, and Other Reports of My Life with Autism.

Expanding this awareness is a new group, Moms Fighting Autism. Moms Fighting Autism is a monthly webinar service dedicated to helping moms who have children with autism. And this month the Moms Fighting Autism Webinar is featuring one of Optometry’s leading lecturers, writers and clinicians in the area of Developmental Vision…Dr. Carl Hillier.

Dr. Hillier’s webinar is occurring on February 16, 2010 at 6:PM PT. Dr. Hillier will be discussing “Vision and Living Within the Autistic Spectrum,” including Vision Therapy.  To register for this FREE webinar click here.

Dr. Hillier was also recently featured on San Diego 6 News. Click here to see Dr. Hillier’s interview with reporter Greg Phillips. The topic was how hidden vision problems can be the cause of your child’s reading disabilities.

With greater public awareness of the vision problems associated with autism, more children (and adults) can find the developmental vision care that will help those with autism to lead a more happy and productive life. A good way to find a doctor who specializes in developmental vision care is to go to the College of Optometrists in Vision Development website and search for a Board Certified Fellow in your area.