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.'
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.'
This page provides details of some of the most significant scientific studies and reviews on vision and autism which have been published in English-language, peer-reviewed journals. If you know of any other studies we should include please email info@researchautism.net with the details. Thank you.
If you are a UK resident you may be able to obtain full copies of some of the items listed here from your local public library, your college library, or the National Autistic Society's Information. Centre. You may also be able to obtain copies from the publisher of the items.
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There are some studies published in peer-reviewed journals which appear to show that some interventions, including some of those listed below, may be effective in improving vision in some individuals with autism.
There are some anecdotal reports that other interventions, including some of those listed below, may be effective for some individuals.
Please click on the names of the interventions below to find out more about those interventions.
The fact that an intervention is listed below does not necessarily mean that we agree that it is effective for people with autism.
"I have always known that the world was fragmented. My mother was a smell, my father a tone, and my older brother was something which moved about. Nothing was whole except the colours and sparkles in the air." Donna Williams
This section provides details of other publications on vision and autism. If you know of any other publications we should include please email info@researchautism.net with the details. Thank you.
If you know of any other publications we should list on this page please email info@informationautism.org
Please note that we are unable to supply publications unless we are listed as the publisher. However, if you are a UK resident you may be able to obtain them from your local public library, your college library or direct from the publisher.