[Pibe-division] child with autism child able se near/far but need pronpts look how cacan test for cvi

[Sara Rooz]

Hi List:

One of my students has autism is nonverbal and is able to walk around. I have taught this student providing vision educational services and the report I received initially indicated exotropia. Since my local CSE needs an updated eye report I've been assisting this child being evaluated by a qualified ophthalmologist. Due to the fact this child is nonverbal and autistic, upon an eye exam the child is able to see objects from far and near distances and backs of eyes look normal. Refractive errors have been ruled out. However, the  parents report that unless the child is prompted to llook at an item the child won't look at items and the same has been observed at the school. The ophthalmologist suspects that the child may display this characteristic due to the nature of autism. My question is how do I go forward and get the child evaluated to rule out cortical visual impairment or determine if the child has cortical visual impairment. Any information would be greatly appreciated. The parents would like this student to continue receiving educational vision services since the child has progressed with communicating with the picture exchange communication exchange system that I've developed. Other related service providers particularly speech therapists are at a loss how to teach this student. Any ideas how I should proceed would be greatly appreciated.

Sara Rooz

Certified Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired in New York

Independent Related Service Provider Vision Education Services in New York City

Email: sararooz at gmail.com
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