Vision and learning are intimately connected, therefore a vision problem can be easily mistaken for a learning or behavioral problem. Some children with visual learning difficulties exhibit impulsivity, hyperactivity, and distractibility. This is often misdiagnosed as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Undetected and untreated vision problems can elicit some of the very same signs and symptoms that are commonly attributed to ADHD. Due to these similarities, some children with vision problems are mislabeled as having ADHD.
Before making the decision to put your child on medication for ADHD, schedule a comprehensive eye exam to determine if symptoms are a result of an eye-teaming issue. A simple set of glasses or vision therapy may reduce the symptoms of ADHD and eliminate the need for medication.