His eyes don't teem together, making it difficult for him to concentrate on visual tasks. Supposedly, when the eyes are trained to work together, attention and sensory integration in general are improved. The optometrist mentioned his inability to sit still and focus on the exercises as one of his challenges. I thought maybe meds would make it easier for him to focus on the exercises and as a result, perhaps make/retain progress a little better. Also, he absolutely resists his vision homework. I make him do it, but sometimes not as much or as long as I should. I get worn down. Perhaps meds for his ADHD would allow him to be more compliant with treatment, therefor helping us actually complete it sometime before a. he turns 30, and/or b. his father and I have completely sacrificed our entire retirement savings.
DS was diagnosed as dyspraxic and as having sensory integration disorder at four by an OT. We did OT for about a year, which helped some, but not a lot. We had more extensive evaluation done at age six. At that time he was identified as HG, also probable ADHD and dyslexia. Because he covers one eye when he reads or does close work, we did the developmental optometrist screening and found significant dysfunction in the way his eyes teamed. At first I saw good progress with the therapy, not only in his academics, but also in his attitude. But now I am wondering if it is time for a break. I guess if we see lots of backsliding, we could always go back. I am hoping someone here has been down this road and maybe has some insight for me.
Oh, and as an additional wrinkle, we need to start a gluten-free diet trial next week when we get back from camping. DS has had endless digestive issues this year. We did a test for celiac, but it was negative. I decided to wait until the end of the year, perhaps the problem was viruses and school stress. But no. If anything, the problems have been worse since he has been home. And it is not dairy alone. I have been watching him closely, and the dairy does not affect him immediately (or within a reasonable time frame) the way I have read that it should. I know several people who had a negative blood test for celiac, but were still intolerant. So there is that, too. There always seems to be so many unrelated problems with this kid. I KNOW that somehow they all fit together, but neither I nor any of the professionals can quite get it all sorted out.
