Researchers to study vision care barriers in children with autism

SEATTLE – To gain a better understanding of vision care obstacles for the caretakers of children with autism, researchers have designed a study, according to a poster presented here at Optometry's Meeting.

"Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) typically have differences in visual perceptual and information processing, due to reduced ability to process and integrate sensory information," Anaya and colleagues wrote. "However, there are unique barriers that children with ASD and their parents may face in accessing vision care."

Researchers noted that estimations indicate nearly 25% of children have vision issues, and more than 11% have undetected vision issues, while one in 30 children are diagnosed with ASD.

To investigate barriers, researchers developed a survey that they will conduct face-to-face with 100 parents of children with ASD, according to the abstract.

Rachel A. Coulter, OD, MSEd, FAAO, FCOVD, a researcher involved in the study, told Primary Care Optometry News that the poster reports preliminary findings and that the study will continue after the meeting.

As detailed in the abstract, results will be compiled and analyzed in spring 2016. – by Chelsea Frajerman Pardes

Reference:

Anaya V, et al. Understanding barriers to vision care among children with autism spectrum disorder. Poster presented at: 118th Annual AOA Congress & 45th Annual AOSA Conference – Optometry’s Meeting. June 26, 2015; Seattle, WA.

Disclosures: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.