Vision and Autism

Some people with autism appear to have problems seeing things clearly. To them the world seems disjointed, confused and scary.

For example, people and things may seem blurry, move around or even disappear. When reading, text may flicker, words double or shadowy lines appear on the page.

Some people claim these problems are not caused by refractive errors (which cause problems like long or short sight). So they cannot be cured by prescribing orthoptic lenses.

Instead they claim these problems are caused by a condition called visual stress (also known as visual discomfort, Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, Irlen Sydrome or Mears-Irlen Syndrome).

The people who believe in visual stress claim it can cause behavioural problems. After all, if you can't see properly you may find it hard to make eye contact, read facial expressions, pay attention or even coordinate your movements.

You may also struggle to read and learn, even if you have good or even advanced reading skills. You may just find the whole experience too tiring and stressful.

Some experts believe that there is no such thing as Irlen Syndrome. For example, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists stated that 'no scientific evidence to support the existence of such a syndrome has been found. The symptoms are vague and medically would have very little diagnostic significance.'

Updated

09 Sep 2015