5 minute read
HOMEWORK WARS: is your child struggling?
How would you feel if your child was facing silent challenges and you didn’t know how to help them?
BY DR NICHOLAS ALTUNEG, BEHAVIOURAL OPTOMETRIST
Picture this scenario: your child is at the kitchen table, attempting to complete their homework. However, instead of smoothly progressing through their tasks, they fidget, move closer to the page, constantly rub their eyes, squint at the page, or express frustration without articulating the cause. These subtle cues might be mistaken for tiredness or lack of interest, but they could actually be signs of an underlying vision issue. As parents, it’s crucial to recognise these quiet struggles and consider whether they indicate a need for a closer look at our child’s vision health.
Undiagnosed vision issues can significantly impact a child’s academic performance. Let’s explore how a Behavioural Eye Examination can be the first step in unlocking your child’s learning potential.
Understanding Vision And Learning
Vision–related learning issues encompass a range of visual conditions that affect how individuals perceive and process visual information. These issues are not related to the structure of the eyes but rather to how they function. From difficulties in eye coordination to challenges in visual processing skills, these issues can manifest in various ways and significantly impact a child’s ability to learn effectively.
Common Types Of Vision Issues That Affect Learning
Several types of vision–related learning issues can affect children, each with its own set of symptoms and challenges. Eye coordination problems, focusing difficulties, and oculomotor dysfunction can all disrupt a child’s reading fluency, writing ability, attention span, and overall academic performance. Identifying these issues through a Behavioural Eye Examination is crucial in providing the necessary support and interventions to address them effectively.
Impact Of Vision Issues On Learning
The impact of vision issues on learning can be profound. Children with undiagnosed vision problems may experience difficulties in reading, writing, comprehension, attention, and concentration. These challenges can lead to frustration, low self–esteem, and a reluctance to engage in academic tasks. By addressing vision issues early, we can help children overcome these obstacles and thrive in their learning journey.
Recognising Signs And Symptoms
Recognising the signs and symptoms of vision–related learning issues is essential for early intervention. From eye strain and blurred vision to poor concentration and slow reading speed, these indicators can signal underlying vision problems that may be affecting your child’s academic performance. Consulting with an optometrist specialising in behavioural optometry is crucial in obtaining an accurate diagnosis and developing a tailored treatment plan.
Keep an eye out for these tell–tale signs that may indicate your child is struggling with their homework:
Resistance and avoidance: One of the most common signs of homework struggles is resistance or avoidance. Your child may procrastinate starting their homework, complain about having too much to do, or find excuses to delay completing assignments. They might express frustration or anxiety about homework time and attempt to negotiate or bargain to avoid it altogether.
Frequent frustration and emotional outbursts: Children who struggle with homework may exhibit signs of frustration, irritability, or emotional outbursts when faced with challenging tasks. They may become overwhelmed by the workload, feel defeated by their perceived inability to complete assignments or experience anxiety about academic expectations.
Poor performance: If your child’s grades are slipping or they consistently receive feedback from teachers about incomplete or poorly done assignments, it could indicate homework difficulties. Despite putting in effort, they may still struggle to grasp concepts or demonstrate understanding, leading to lower academic performance.
Physical symptoms: Homework–related stress can manifest physically in children. You may notice symptoms such as headaches, stomach–aches, or difficulty sleeping, especially on evenings before big assignments are due or tests are scheduled. These physical complaints may be a result of underlying stress and anxiety related to homework struggles.
Avoidance of school–related activities: Children who are struggling with homework may start to avoid school–related activities altogether. They may express reluctance to attend school, participate in extracurricular activities, or engage in academic discussions. This avoidance behaviour can stem from feelings of inadequacy, fear of failure, or a desire to escape from perceived academic pressure.
By recognising these symptoms early on, parents can take proactive steps to address their child’s homework struggles and provide the necessary support and resources to help them succeed academically.
The Role Of Behavioural Optometrists In Diagnosis And Treatment
Behavioural optometrists play a vital role in diagnosing and treating vision–related learning issues. Through specialised assessments and interventions, they can identify underlying vision problems and provide targeted therapies to address them. Therapeutic use of training lenses, vision therapy and/ or rehabilitation techniques, can help children improve their visual capabilities and overcome their learning challenges.
Supporting Learning Through Collaboration
Collaboration between educators, behavioural optometrists, and other specialists is key in supporting children with vision–related learning issues. By working together, we can develop comprehensive strategies and interventions that address each child’s specific needs. From implementing accommodations in the classroom to providing specialised therapies, this collaborative approach ensures that children receive the support they need to succeed academically.
UNLOCK YOUR CHILD’S LEARNING POTENTIAL
Don’t let vision issues prevent your child from reaching their full potential. Schedule an eye exam with a behavioural optometrist if you have any concerns with your child’s learning. The results could help your child see the world more clearly and thrive in their academic endeavours.
Dr Nicholas Altuneg is a Behavioural Optometrist who has been working on the Central Coast for almost 30 years. He is the co-founder at Eyes by Design, which is in the Kincumber Centre. Appointments can be made by phone 4369 8169 or online at www.eyesbydesign.com.au
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general eye health topics. It should not be used as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health care professional prior to incorporating this as part of your health regimen.
