Vision therapy plays a crucial role in supporting children with sensory processing disorders. By enhancing visual skills, it fosters better sensory integration and helps children thrive.
Sensory integration in children with sensory processing disorders can be greatly enhanced with targeted vision therapy. This specialized treatment focuses on improving visual-motor and visual processing skills that support the child's overall sensory system. Our eye doctors work with sophisticated techniques to help children gain confidence and improve their day-to-day interactions.
Sensory processing disorders (SPD) are conditions where the brain struggles to effectively receive, organize, and interpret sensory information. In many cases, children with SPD also experience challenges with visual processing, which can impact their ability to learn, participate in sports, and socialize with peers. Research shows that nearly one in six children may have issues related to sensory processing, making it a significant concern for families and educators alike.
Visual input is a crucial component of our sensory system. In fact, over 80% of the sensory processing functions in the brain involve visual signals. When a child's visual system is underdeveloped or not well coordinated, they might experience delays in processing other sensory information. This interplay between vision and other senses means that enhancing visual skills through vision therapy can have a positive ripple effect across multiple areas of a child’s sensory integration.
Our specialized vision therapy is designed to tackle the challenges posed by visual processing issues that frequently accompany sensory processing disorders. Vision therapy involves a series of customized exercises and activities that help the brain better interpret visual information, thereby promoting better coordination between the eyes and the body. Through enhanced eye teaming, focusing, and tracking skills, the child’s visual system develops in tandem with other sensory systems.
Here’s the thing: a robust visual system is not just about achieving clear sight—it’s about developing the ability to connect visual signals with other sensory inputs seamlessly. When vision therapy strengthens skills such as hand-eye coordination and visual motor integration, children find it easier to engage with their environment. This enhanced ability to integrate sensory information makes learning and interacting with peers a more natural experience.
Contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive vision evaluation and take the first step toward improving your child's sensory integration.
Over the past 25 years, eye doctors and sensory integration occupational therapists have developed a closely linked, co-treatment approach. In this model, our eye doctors focus on the visual components while sensory integration therapists work to improve overall sensory modulation. Both disciplines are essential when a child presents with developmental delays in both visual skills and sensory processing.
This cooperative approach ensures that delays in one system do not interfere with the progress in another. For example, a child who struggles with visual tracking may also have challenges with vestibular integration—a key element of sensory modulation. By addressing both limitations simultaneously, the child experiences a smoother path to improved performance in school and daily activities.
When vision therapy and sensory integration occupational therapy work hand in hand, improvements in one area often bolster gains in the other. This well-rounded strategy helps children not only see the world more clearly but also feel more comfortable and capable within it.
Vision therapy sessions integrate a variety of exercises that target specific visual skills critical for sensory integration. Our eye doctors use a range of tools and techniques to improve visual-motor integration, focusing, tracking, and processing speed.
Let’s break down some of these approaches:
These carefully selected techniques are designed to be fun, engaging, and most importantly, effective in improving both visual and sensory integration skills. By working on these exercises, children can develop a more integrated sensory system, making everyday tasks less challenging and more enjoyable.
Contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive vision evaluation and take the first step toward improving your child's sensory integration.
Improve sensory integration and visual skills in children with specialized vision therapy tailored to sensory processing disorders.
