Eye pulling when needing to focus

[joybed]

Hi Piers is 5 has a diagnosis of ASD and possible ADHD and has just been referred to occupational therapy for ?? sensory integration disorder/ dyspraxia. His LSA had written in his home school diary that he was rubbing his eyes a lot when he needed to focus for a period of time and they were concerned he would hurt his eyes. I commented i had noticed him rubbing his eyes but wasn,t sure what the reason was. The following day the comment was they had tried getting him to put his hands in his lap but he just put his head to his lap and rubbed his eyes instead becoming anxious when they made him stop. On friday his teacher said it was becoming worse as he was really pulling at his eyelids and then appeared to go into a trance like he was attempting to focus really hard but then had zoned out, she commented she had no concerns regarding his vision but said it is difficult to rouse him from this trance like state. On Saturday he was playing his nintendo when I noted him really tugging at his eyelids fingers right underrneath the eyelids and puling them out a fair distance, he was then opening his eyes really wide as if he was trying to focus and then rubbing his eyes. When asked about this he said his eyes feel blurry and hurt him. This only occurs when he is watching TV, on the DS or looking at the interactive whiteboard at school, it appears to be associated with bright lights. I am wondering is this is a SID thing and what to do about it, there is quite a wait for OT in our area and i am concerned he will damage his eye. I was also wondering if the coloured lenses may help with this. Anyone got any tips or can shed any light on this. He is sleeping better just lately as we have put into place a reward system and this appears to be working, I say this because his LSA says he appears tired but Piers can pretend to be tired when he doesn,t want to do something.

[Tally]

Even if the teacher has no concerns regarding his vision, it might be a good idea to have an eye test anyway. I am very sensitive to very small changes in my vision, and often update my glasses even when the optician says my vision is adequate with the old glasses.

 

Wearing a cap can help to cut out some of the glare from overhead lighting, but this wouldn't work when he is looking ahead to a screen. Sunglasses might help.

 

I think it's worth seeing the Dr about this, as there are so many possibilities. The fact that it has come on suddenly is strange.

[Ian Jordan]

 

needs to be assessed by capable person - PM me and I will suggest someone in your are that we be OK

[smiley1590]

i used to do this ALOT my parents told me when i was tired like your son it would occur quite abit i have AS and dyspraxia too i don't do it anymore now not that i notice or know of anyways!!! my parents used comment ion me doing it alot i didn't even realise until they pointed it out clearly

 

know it not much help really sorry!

 

good luck

XKLX

[smiley1590]

i also get blurry vision when tired so annoying i think just brain just trying us it worked too hard needs shut down and have a rest let off stream!!!

 

XKLX

[Mandapanda]

Hi joybed

 

My eldest used to rub his eyeball , especially when sucking his thumb when tired. He has grown out of it. I would also recommend an eye test as my son was 5 before we found out he was short sighted. If they're too young to read the chart they can use a light to test the vision.

 

[chris54]

My fist port of call would be a High Street optician. Costs nothing, (children under 18 do not pay for eye tests or glasses (NHS ones), you can probably get an appointment for a few days time, if not today, and they will/ may be able to put your mind at rest. They will also refer you on to the relevant person/department if there is anything that needs more specialist investigation/treatment.

[smiley1590]

i used to suck my thumb and i'm short sighted dom't know if it connected though!