Ian Jordan

In the B Ed course the teacher training establishments give between half an hour and 5 hours to cover the whole of special needs. And you expect the class teacher to know what to do - don't blame them - blame the training - it is shocking. But, why are the teachers unions not as vociferous on this point - it would reassure me if they made as much noise as they do on much less important areas.

bad advice I'm afraid - it is a crude and poor method of testing if anyone uses overlays as a diagnostic method - It will always miss a high proportion of children with problems, it is virtually NEVER the best colour and metamerism is not taken into account. I find it surprising that a professional still uses such a poor assessment method. Colour is extremely complex - if anyone wants enough info to make a balanced judgement please email me- i'll send some books

there are a number of ways of treating hyperacuisis no need to suffer if you get the right one e mail me and will send info

as no one can agree on what dyslexia is it gives an easy cop out for a lea. there is NO standardisation of testing for dyslexia

programme WRONG we treat prosopagnosia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

we use inhibition effects of visual stimulus to stop migraines and headaches. theory too long for post.

there is significant evidence that about 2/3 of migraines can be provoked by the visual environment. they can also be stopped by modification of the environment or visual input. we can stop over half of migraines in arou nd 2 minutes, without drugs. sadly the nhs don't seem to understand even though there is sufficient clinical evidence around any of our clinics will see you in an "emergency" and if poss stop problem in around 2 minutes! i don't charge (and i don't think any of my colleagues do either)

we did brain scans that showed school lights are often causative of these types of problems. too much to explain in post though

thank you didn't see as we are opening a practice in Ayr Scotland next week that will address visual and auditory processing dysfunctions as well as sensory integration matters looks to be very exciting, if interested email me for more info (can't advertise on site)

tell them to switch off school lights

The French system is in general terms barbaric. Up untill about 3 years ago all ASD was "bad parenting" until they were defeated in the Eurpean Court. The law was therefore changed. Like many other changes in law in France this has been substantially ignored as it does not suit them. You can assume that special needs children will be generally overlooked in France, consider them as a 3rd world country, we may be bad but they are in a different league. A small amount of help is available but it is nothing like sufficient - there are people in France that can help - (but it is usually very expensive! and generally a long way behind what is available here) Good luck

There are many reasons for difficulties in crowds the principals due to 1 visual / visual processing 2 auditory / auditory processing If your child has a physical problem due to the environment and this environment is creating a danger then health and safety may be cited. In addition there is a duty of care to ensure that the environment does not make the disability worse. You need to understand how and what your child sees and hears and if it is not appropriate then it is the responsability of the council to ensure it is. It may be necessary to apply legal pressure using the disabilty act. But you need to understand WHY your child is reacting first, the reaction is not without a reason.

vision and visual processing in asd is variable, from those that exhibit "normal" vision and responses to those with distorted or disturbed imagery. There are input problems, distortion and sequencing difficulties, attentional difficulties, images that change in appearance, timing problems, persistence of images, visual field distortions and reductions, spatial awareness diffulties, parts of objects such as faces may disappear, distort or blur, some visual processing may produce pain etc the problems may be variable and intermittent and integrate with other sensory processing problems synesthesia may also be a factor it is an enormous subject in which we are just opening the door!

3D vision is often a problem in ASD (assume it is a problem unless shown otherwise). However, standard tests will often not be adequate and mapping of the visual world may depend on what is being viewed. It is a very complex area and not fully understood by anyone. There are differing reasons for 3D being different, the one looked for in an eye test involves muscle balance and fusion of the images. Cognitive processes will not be addressed. However, in ASD these are often the most important. To go further needs a book! As for amblyopia - treatment is usually possible if caught early enough Send me your telephone number and will explain. best wishes Ian

If an OT has diagnosed sensory integration problems you it is critical that you address visual and auditory processing deficits too, (they are almost certainly present) and an integrated response is necessary. These are not tested for routinely and it is unlikely that you will be able to access these through the NHS/LEA. Good luck

Daylight bulbs and SAD boxes are different. Simplistically the problem is the reduction of blue light input in the winter. This can be effectively replaced by daylight bulbs (inefficiently) or SAD boxes. Blue tints (the type of filter is important - not all blues will work) on spectacles may also help for some. An alternative is using the optimeyes lamp or LEDs of specific wavelength. However, on some people the effects may be the opposite to those expected! (and specialised knowledge is required)

Might be an idea if you came to one of the lectures I am giving in September. Every person with a child on the spectrum should be aware of the need for visual processing assessment. "20th in Lincoln - Two lectures daytime professionals 5hrs, evening parents 2hrs for tickets tel 01526 378754 (Sponsored by "Blinded by the Light") 27th in Gloucester - shorter daytime 3hrs, evening 2hrs tel 0800 1697 3891" (sponsored by Norvilles opticians) Not only will these presentations let you know a tremendous amount about the effects of colour in ASD / dyslexia / dyspraxia etc- they will save you money. THere are much more advanced methods than Irlen - and the difference is significant! PS Watch this space - a multisenory integration practice will be opening soon in October in Scotland. Costs will be inexpensive!

Visual modification will often stop problem immediately and without risk= but you haved to go to competent person. AIT takes a long time to work - but it does work well

send me your email address and will send info

I am writing a scientific paper and an article on facial mapping, decoding and emotion recognition. (Iam also producing a DVD which I hope will help) It is divided into 3 sections effects when looking at stationary faces effects when looking at moving faces persistence of image In addition I want to compare the differences between looking at pictures and three dimensional faces. I would be grateful if those with some difficulties (particularly those with difficulties which appear strange or inexplicable) would explain their problems as I want to be as accurate as possible. For those that want a plan of the article (not written up ) as a powerpoint presentation please e mail me

have written booklet on class design from visual point of view send me an email if you want pre publication ebook

If anyone wants info on visual aspects please email me on IanJordan@visualdyslexia.com I will send an e booklet on how to recognise visually provoked problems and there is a short questionnaire The OT will not be able to address visual and auditory sensory dysfunction - and these are often the most important to assess! Cerebellar problems addressed by exercises are only part of sensory dysfunction

let us assume that roughly one in a hundred are asd it would be interesting to know what percentage are diagnosed in each year group in each lea. i think numbers found before 10 would be less than 50% of those that should be supported - but am happy to be proved wrong. anyone with figures for their lea?

For an experienced professional the combination of posture, eye movement, speech patterns and voice, facial expressions, praxis etc give a good indication of problems very quickly. They indicate ASD but they are not infallible - but hit rate is extremely good. That is why I cannot understand why so many get through the education system undiagnosed - I could walk into a classroom and find most children at risk within 15 minutes - as could any competent professional!

There is evidence of changes in neurochemistry and arousal levels with colour input, level of effect can vary significantly though.