Visual Processing Delays (ADHD/Dyslexia)

Vision Processing Problems and ADHD/Dyslexia?

Many children with undetected vision problems are also labeled with ADHD, dyslexia, or learning disabilities. Over the last two decades, these diagnoses have risen dramatically—sometimes without ruling out other possible concurrent causes.

Before accepting one of these diagnoses, it’s important to check for developmental issues such as:

• Visual development problems

• Sensory-motor delays

• Auditory processing difficulties
  
  

According to the American Optometric Association, 60% of children with a learning disability also have an undiagnosed vision problem. In some cases, the solution may be as simple as glasses. In others, children may struggle with visual skills like tracking, teaming, or focusing—issues that directly affect learning and attention.

Why This Matters

The symptoms of ADHD (as classified in the DSM-V) and Dyslexia often overlap with those of vision-related learning problems. Difficulties such as sustaining attention, losing one’s place while reading, restlessness, or problems with comprehension can sometimes be rooted in visual challenges—either on their own or in combination with ADHD or dyslexia.

Unfortunately, many children are prescribed medication for ADHD without first receiving a comprehensive evaluation from a Neuro-Developmental Optometrist. This step is crucial, as in some cases, what appears to be ADHD may actually be a treatable vision problem or concurrently occurring.

A commonly missed step in the diagnostic process is a full assessment of visual skills and visual information processing. Identifying and treating these vision problems can make diagnosing these disabilities more accurate and allow them to deal with their disability more easily. In other cases, addressing visual symptoms can reduce the impact of an underlying learning disability, making it easier for the child to engage in schoolwork and therapy. By reducing visual barriers, other providers and teachers can work more effectively with the child and their learning disability.

The takeaway: Before labeling a child with ADHD, dyslexia, or a learning disability, parents should ensure their child has been thoroughly evaluated for visual developmental issues. Addressing these problems can ease the learning process, reduce frustration, and support better outcomes.