Looking differently at the vision of children who see differently

A University of Bradford academic and paediatric ophthalmologist has outlined differences in visual behaviour among children with autism.

Professor Rachel Pilling told OT that a theme of her research has been to look differently at children who see differently.

She added that this means thinking less about what a child can see – their visual acuity and ability to see letters on a chart – and thinking more about how a child uses their vision to interact with their world.

“What we know from some of the work we have done that is backed up by the medical literature is that some children with ADHD and autism use their vision in a way that is different to us,” Pilling shared.

“They may use their central vision and suppress their off-centre vision, conversely they may prefer to use their off-centre vision and suppress their central vision,” she explained.

Pilling outlined different visual behaviours that are common among those with autism: central processors, off-centre processors, position processors and single channel processors.

Pilling highlighted that a greater understanding of visual behaviours in children with autism may assist those working in education.

“It is a spectrum. Not all children will exhibit all behaviours – depending on their environment they may flick between different behaviours,” she said.

“However, recognising that this may be happening may help you to understand how you can present learning materials, adapt an environment or plan a day out,” Pilling highlighted.

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Neurodiversity and vision

Professor Rachel Pilling outlined how neurodiversity can influence visual behaviour among children during her presentation at HSOC