Through the eyes of autism: Eye care for these special patients

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifetime neurodevelopmental disability characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication, and a restricted range of behaviors and/or interests. ASD prevalence has exploded to 1% by 2010, probably due both to increased awareness and a real increase in ASD. ASD is frequently co-morbid with strabismus, amblyopia, infantile cataract, and glaucoma. Ability of pediatric ophthalmologists to detect subtle signs of undiagnosed ASD and work effectively with ASD children is critical to ophthalmic care. Pediatric ophthalmologists, and ancillary staff, particularly orthoptists. Untrained intuition typically suggests counterproductive approaches to children with ASD, reinforcing anxiety and phobic reactions, diminishing examination cooperation, and reducing compliance. Behavior modification techniques, particularly those directing attention and reward to appropriate behavior, are highly effective but must be clinically tailored. No systematic training has heretofore been offered to pediatric ophthalmic ophthalmologists to enable them to work with ASD. Attendees should identify the impairments in ASD, know resources available for diagnosis and intervention for children with ASD, recognize subtle autistic behaviors, understand effective eye examinations of children with ASD, and how to discuss ASD with patients' parents. Vide infra references. Knowledge will provide attendees with insight to do the foregoing. Didactic format will introduce features of ASD. Instructors will share clinical suggestions for working with ASD children, and personal experiences as parent of children with special needs. ASD will be defined in public health context. Approaches will be presented for ASD behaviors common in pediatric ophthalmology.