Comments on: Welcome Back! http://pave2008.wordpress.com/2008/08/05/welcome-back/ Parents Active for Vision Education Sat, 24 Jan 2009 14:04:39 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Jennifer http://pave2008.wordpress.com/2008/08/05/welcome-back/#comment-21 Jennifer Sat, 24 Jan 2009 14:04:39 +0000 http://pave2008.wordpress.com/?p=3#comment-21 Hi Sandy. I had the same frustrations a few times. This is a long process. I too was looking for more reading improvement or a set date when it could be expected. I found a website paulharrisod.com It has Notes to professional educators and there is a part in it about reading improvement with VT, why it takes time and how cyclical the strides are. It eased my mind and has held true. Even though the reading fluency is still not ideal, all of the other improvements have remained constant. He's even made honor roll 2 marking periods in a row. What a change from last year. Hi Sandy. I had the same frustrations a few times. This is a long process. I too was looking for more reading improvement or a set date when it could be expected. I found a website paulharrisod.com It has Notes to professional educators and there is a part in it about reading improvement with VT, why it takes time and how cyclical the strides are. It eased my mind and has held true. Even though the reading fluency is still not ideal, all of the other improvements have remained constant. He’s even made honor roll 2 marking periods in a row. What a change from last year.

]]> By: Sandy from Canada http://pave2008.wordpress.com/2008/08/05/welcome-back/#comment-20 Sandy from Canada Wed, 17 Dec 2008 01:00:41 +0000 http://pave2008.wordpress.com/?p=3#comment-20 Update from Sandy - We are over 4 months into therapy and I have noticed that my son is able to print better, sit and copy from one page to another easier, understanding math etc. He is repeating grade 4 and it is almost as if he was never exposed to the grade 4 curriculum in the past. It is like he is seeing it for the 1st time. However, in combination with a good teacher, dedicated parents and a great Visual Therapist, we are seeing great strides in our son's abilities. He has a better sense of self and is really coming into his own. We have certainly had our nights of frustruation and tears. I had hoped by now his reading would be quite a bit better than it is however I am seeing improvements in other areas. We will be at this likely for a year or more, it is expensive, but I can't think of a better way to invest my money than in my son's future. He is giving me everything he has and knows that we are doing this to make his life easier. We work with metronome.com to help give him rythym, as he really does not have any. It is working and I am sure he will thank me in the future at those high school dances ;) We live in Canada and there are only 2 licensed Therapists in the Country and only 6 Optometrists that diagnose this. My biggest frustruation is that people do not give it the credit it deserves as a real problem in learning. My piediatrician called vision therapy"hocus pocus" as did my own Optometrist. It was very disconcerting to hear these professionals discredit the only hope I had. There is so little known about it here and I am trying to educate as much as possible. ADHD is so easily accepted as a diagnosis, it is frightening. My world changed when I heard about this because, I as another parent above, was so happy to know I was not "nuts". I just knew my son did not have ADHD. I will continue to educate as many people as possible but most importantly, the teachers every year as they learn to help my son through. My VT had to deal with my recent melt down in my frustruation of not knowing when to expect to see greater strides in reading....what I am learning is to temper my expectations and celebrate the successes I have see in my son. He is a happy boy that is giving 110% to trying harder and that is all I can ask. Update from Sandy –
We are over 4 months into therapy and I have noticed that my son is able to print better, sit and copy from one page to another easier, understanding math etc. He is repeating grade 4 and it is almost as if he was never exposed to the grade 4 curriculum in the past. It is like he is seeing it for the 1st time. However, in combination with a good teacher, dedicated parents and a great Visual Therapist, we are seeing great strides in our son’s abilities. He has a better sense of self and is really coming into his own. We have certainly had our nights of frustruation and tears. I had hoped by now his reading would be quite a bit better than it is however I am seeing improvements in other areas. We will be at this likely for a year or more, it is expensive, but I can’t think of a better way to invest my money than in my son’s future. He is giving me everything he has and knows that we are doing this to make his life easier.
We work with metronome.com to help give him rythym, as he really does not have any. It is working and I am sure he will thank me in the future at those high school dances ;)
We live in Canada and there are only 2 licensed Therapists in the Country and only 6 Optometrists that diagnose this. My biggest frustruation is that people do not give it the credit it deserves as a real problem in learning. My piediatrician called vision therapy”hocus pocus” as did my own Optometrist. It was very disconcerting to hear these professionals discredit the only hope I had. There is so little known about it here and I am trying to educate as much as possible. ADHD is so easily accepted as a diagnosis, it is frightening.

My world changed when I heard about this because, I as another parent above, was so happy to know I was not “nuts”. I just knew my son did not have ADHD. I will continue to educate as many people as possible but most importantly, the teachers every year as they learn to help my son through.

My VT had to deal with my recent melt down in my frustruation of not knowing when to expect to see greater strides in reading….what I am learning is to temper my expectations and celebrate the successes I have see in my son. He is a happy boy that is giving 110% to trying harder and that is all I can ask.

]]> By: Jennifer http://pave2008.wordpress.com/2008/08/05/welcome-back/#comment-19 Jennifer Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:53:13 +0000 http://pave2008.wordpress.com/?p=3#comment-19 I have to respond to Susan from NV and hope you read this. I found a website called OnTrackReading. There is a part called "Building an Architect" under the "Vision Piece" on the right of the home page. This is just the guy's theory about children with vision problems, but WOW - my son (who is 10) says he wants to be an architect all the time. When I read this I got the chills. Looks like your son also supports his theory. Please check it out. We are headed into week 10. My son commented last week that prior to VT cars driving by were just a blur and now he can see what they look like as we (or they) drive past on the highway. Scary to think he could have been driving and unable to judge moving cars. Homework gets better every week. I'm still waiting for the reading to show more improvement, but with everything else going right, its all worth it. And (gulp) he now wants to try baseball again in the spring. I was secretly hoping that sport would go away, but he is confident now that he can hit and catch better and wants to try it out again. Play ball! I have to respond to Susan from NV and hope you read this. I found a website called OnTrackReading. There is a part called “Building an Architect” under the “Vision Piece” on the right of the home page. This is just the guy’s theory about children with vision problems, but WOW – my son (who is 10) says he wants to be an architect all the time. When I read this I got the chills. Looks like your son also supports his theory. Please check it out.

We are headed into week 10. My son commented last week that prior to VT cars driving by were just a blur and now he can see what they look like as we (or they) drive past on the highway. Scary to think he could have been driving and unable to judge moving cars. Homework gets better every week. I’m still waiting for the reading to show more improvement, but with everything else going right, its all worth it. And (gulp) he now wants to try baseball again in the spring. I was secretly hoping that sport would go away, but he is confident now that he can hit and catch better and wants to try it out again. Play ball!

]]> By: Heather in Seattle area http://pave2008.wordpress.com/2008/08/05/welcome-back/#comment-18 Heather in Seattle area Sun, 23 Nov 2008 03:35:43 +0000 http://pave2008.wordpress.com/?p=3#comment-18 My 7 yr old daughter was just diagnosed with tracking and blurred vision. We first saw a VT who was not on our insurance, and today saw a second. It's very eye opening to find an answer to all the problems. Also today the DR found that she also has a Vestibular Reflex problem. That is what is causing all her wiggling and agitation. You can google it for definition. I was very impressed by her knowledge! We have 2 more tests that she would like to do before we start vision therapy, but we did order glasses to help her in the class room. She is excited to get them thank goodness! We will also be working with an occupational therapist, who refered us for the vision testing, to help with the vestibular reflex issues. I am very relieved to know we have some direction to help her. She has in some miracle been able to keep on track in 1st grade! I am amazed that she is not farther behind considering all that she has do to keep herself on track. The OD that we saw today recommended this as a site to check into as well as a few others. It's so good to see that others are in the same boat! I will post as we progress and would like to hear how all of you are doing as well. My 7 yr old daughter was just diagnosed with tracking and blurred vision. We first saw a VT who was not on our insurance, and today saw a second. It’s very eye opening to find an answer to all the problems. Also today the DR found that she also has a Vestibular Reflex problem. That is what is causing all her wiggling and agitation. You can google it for definition. I was very impressed by her knowledge! We have 2 more tests that she would like to do before we start vision therapy, but we did order glasses to help her in the class room. She is excited to get them thank goodness! We will also be working with an occupational therapist, who refered us for the vision testing, to help with the vestibular reflex issues. I am very relieved to know we have some direction to help her. She has in some miracle been able to keep on track in 1st grade! I am amazed that she is not farther behind considering all that she has do to keep herself on track. The OD that we saw today recommended this as a site to check into as well as a few others. It’s so good to see that others are in the same boat! I will post as we progress and would like to hear how all of you are doing as well.

]]> By: SUSAN GONZALES http://pave2008.wordpress.com/2008/08/05/welcome-back/#comment-17 SUSAN GONZALES Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:20:59 +0000 http://pave2008.wordpress.com/?p=3#comment-17 My son was diagnosed with vision problems (visual motor integration, tracking etc. etc.) in the second grade as he struggled with reading. He was tested and I was told I should put him in a Resource Room in a public school as he had learning disabilities and would do better in that environment. He was attending private school. I was looking for answers and happend to see an article in the newspaper about a behavioral optometrist, Dr. Mary Carroll who described in the article the same problems my son had been experiencing. I took him ito be tested by Dr. Carroll and he started eye therapy for 6 months. All I can tell you is that it works. He went from struggling to being on the honor roll by 6th grade. We also sent him to a reading tutor so he could catch up. I never took him out of private school. He graduated from high school with both an academic and athletic scholarship. He is now in college in the School of Architecture and on the Dean's Honor List. The eye therapy worked and was a small price to pay to give him a chance at the future he deserved and worked so hard for. My husband had his doubts but I persisted and it paid off big time. I told him we had to give it a chance. I shudder at the thought of what his future may have been without the eye therapy. I am eternally grateful to Dr. Mary Carroll and her staff for all they did for our son. Susan Gonzales Las Vegas, NV My son was diagnosed with vision problems (visual motor integration, tracking etc. etc.) in the second grade as he struggled with reading. He was tested and I was told I should put him in a Resource Room in a public school as he had learning disabilities and would do better in that environment. He was attending private school.

I was looking for answers and happend to see an article in the newspaper about a behavioral optometrist, Dr. Mary Carroll who described in the article the same problems my son had been experiencing. I took him ito be tested by Dr. Carroll and he started eye therapy for 6 months. All I can tell you is that it works. He went from struggling to being on the honor roll by 6th grade. We also sent him to a reading tutor so he could catch up. I never took him out of private school. He graduated from high school with both an academic and athletic scholarship.

He is now in college in the School of Architecture and on the Dean’s Honor List. The eye therapy worked and was a small price to pay to give him a chance at the future he deserved and worked so hard for.

My husband had his doubts but I persisted and it paid off big time. I told him we had to give it a chance. I shudder at the thought of what his future may have been without the eye therapy. I am eternally grateful to Dr. Mary Carroll and her staff for all they did for our son.

Susan Gonzales
Las Vegas, NV

]]> By: Nassuse http://pave2008.wordpress.com/2008/08/05/welcome-back/#comment-16 Nassuse Mon, 10 Nov 2008 02:17:24 +0000 http://pave2008.wordpress.com/?p=3#comment-16 Has anyone ever heard about children seeing color while reading? I'm a teacher and a tutor and am currenlty working with a girl who says the words sometimes get covered by colors. In addition, my niece has been recently diagnosed with convergence insufficiency and she made a comment about words often being outlined in yellow. I have been teaching for a while now and never heard of this. Does anyone have children with similar issues? Thank you. Has anyone ever heard about children seeing color while reading? I’m a teacher and a tutor and am currenlty working with a girl who says the words sometimes get covered by colors. In addition, my niece has been recently diagnosed with convergence insufficiency and she made a comment about words often being outlined in yellow. I have been teaching for a while now and never heard of this. Does anyone have children with similar issues? Thank you.

]]> By: Barb http://pave2008.wordpress.com/2008/08/05/welcome-back/#comment-15 Barb Mon, 10 Nov 2008 02:14:20 +0000 http://pave2008.wordpress.com/?p=3#comment-15 I am coming into this from the back door. My 14yr old daughter has ADHD and NLD. From researching on my own, I learned her vision problem is associated with these disabilities. I cant believe the doctors that diagnosed her did not tell me or recommend to me vision therapy. She was diagnosed with Amblyopia in the second grade and we made initial attempts to correct it with drops, patching, the usual. She would never wear her glasses. She would conveniently lose them. Anyway, years went by and more and more symptoms emerged and finally diagnosed with disabilities. While doing research for the disabilities I came across vision therapy and it hit me like a lightning bolt. I just know this is something she will benefit from. But what I would like to pass on to you other parents and readers just looking at vision problems (especially those accused of having behavioral problems) to have your child tested/evaluated. You dont even have to walk in the door with an idea of what they might have. Just talk to the doctor(physchologist) and tell him symptoms and behaviors and he will know what tests to do. But if your curious, google ADHD and/or NLD. NLD is not very well known about. I had never heard of it, but when I read the symptoms, behaviors and characteristics I almost cried because I knew that was what she had. I read your stories about your vision problems and some of you sound like me back then but I had no idea of what to do at the time. God Speed. I am coming into this from the back door. My 14yr old daughter has ADHD and NLD. From researching on my own, I learned her vision problem is associated with these disabilities. I cant believe the doctors that diagnosed her did not tell me or recommend to me vision therapy. She was diagnosed with Amblyopia in the second grade and we made initial attempts to correct it with drops, patching, the usual. She would never wear her glasses. She would conveniently lose them. Anyway, years went by and more and more symptoms emerged and finally diagnosed with disabilities. While doing research for the disabilities I came across vision therapy and it hit me like a lightning bolt. I just know this is something she will benefit from. But what I would like to pass on to you other parents and readers just looking at vision problems (especially those accused of having behavioral problems) to have your child tested/evaluated. You dont even have to walk in the door with an idea of what they might have. Just talk to the doctor(physchologist) and tell him symptoms and behaviors and he will know what tests to do. But if your curious, google ADHD and/or NLD. NLD is not very well known about. I had never heard of it, but when I read the symptoms, behaviors and characteristics I almost cried because I knew that was what she had. I read your stories about your vision problems and some of you sound like me back then but I had no idea of what to do at the time. God Speed.

]]> By: Jennifer http://pave2008.wordpress.com/2008/08/05/welcome-back/#comment-14 Jennifer Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:57:33 +0000 http://pave2008.wordpress.com/?p=3#comment-14 I'm updating from my Sept. 30th post. 7 weeks into VT (1x a week + about 20 minutes at home of exercises 5 times a week) and the change is noteworthy already. My son is now coming home and sitting down to homework without a complaint. His reading has gotten more fluent, although not at a 5th grade level yet. I read the piano post above and have to add this: my son plays clarinet and our 1st indication that things were getting better was hearing him practice. Songs are actually flowing! It was an unexpected bonus. To Michelle - find a developmental/behavioral optometrist who has a staff vision therapist in the office. I found ours thru the covd website and love them - The Hunterdon Family Eye Center in NJ. To Lisa - I've found the same response from insurance. I've decided to get him treated now and argue later. I figure i'll pay for braces to have his teeth straightened one day. Getting the eyes to work together is worth more than that. I’m updating from my Sept. 30th post. 7 weeks into VT (1x a week + about 20 minutes at home of exercises 5 times a week) and the change is noteworthy already. My son is now coming home and sitting down to homework without a complaint. His reading has gotten more fluent, although not at a 5th grade level yet. I read the piano post above and have to add this: my son plays clarinet and our 1st indication that things were getting better was hearing him practice. Songs are actually flowing! It was an unexpected bonus. To Michelle – find a developmental/behavioral optometrist who has a staff vision therapist in the office. I found ours thru the covd website and love them – The Hunterdon Family Eye Center in NJ. To Lisa – I’ve found the same response from insurance. I’ve decided to get him treated now and argue later. I figure i’ll pay for braces to have his teeth straightened one day. Getting the eyes to work together is worth more than that.

]]> By: lisa sanford http://pave2008.wordpress.com/2008/08/05/welcome-back/#comment-13 lisa sanford Mon, 03 Nov 2008 20:41:06 +0000 http://pave2008.wordpress.com/?p=3#comment-13 My Fourth Grader was just diagnosed with Convergence Insufficiency. The third "specialist" recommended pencil push ups...but something about his treatment didn't sit right in my gut. I did more internet research, checked out the findings just issued October 2008 by NIH on vision therapy and have now gone to 2 more specialist and begin a treatment session tomorrow. My pediatrician, don't agree, nor does the insurance company, but I'm ready to fight for my daughters right to treatment, these are her only set of eyes, I will do everything in my power to help her resolve this issue. My gut tells me, to forge ahead, interact with all parties, look to support groups, fight the insurance claims and most of all show my daughter that I will never give up on her. I'm still in the early stages, but I believe the focusing problem and attention can be rectified. My Fourth Grader was just diagnosed with Convergence Insufficiency. The third “specialist” recommended pencil push ups…but something about his treatment didn’t sit right in my gut. I did more internet research, checked out the findings just issued October 2008 by NIH on vision therapy and have now gone to 2 more specialist and begin a treatment session tomorrow.

My pediatrician, don’t agree, nor does the insurance company, but I’m ready to fight for my daughters right to treatment, these are her only set of eyes, I will do everything in my power to help her resolve this issue. My gut tells me, to forge ahead, interact with all parties, look to support groups, fight the insurance claims and most of all show my daughter that I will never give up on her.

I’m still in the early stages, but I believe the focusing problem and attention can be rectified.

]]> By: Michelle http://pave2008.wordpress.com/2008/08/05/welcome-back/#comment-12 Michelle Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:14:28 +0000 http://pave2008.wordpress.com/?p=3#comment-12 Help!!!! My daughter is in her first semester of 2nd grade and was just diagnoised with this vision poblem, unfortunatly...... im totally clueless and all we got at the doctor was a pamphlet.... Im reaching out to all and any information I can to help her.... Where do i start... she has glasses but seems its not getting any better... what is my next step where do i go... I feel so helpless... all these web sites have great information but not for dummies like me who have no clue where to start or turn to even help out her own child...... Please help... Michelle Help!!!! My daughter is in her first semester of 2nd grade and was just diagnoised with this vision poblem, unfortunatly…… im totally clueless and all we got at the doctor was a pamphlet…. Im reaching out to all and any information I can to help her…. Where do i start… she has glasses but seems its not getting any better… what is my next step where do i go… I feel so helpless… all these web sites have great information but not for dummies like me who have no clue where to start or turn to even help out her own child…… Please help… Michelle

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