This book advances the case for vision therapy as an integral part of a comprehensive treatment plan for children with ASDs, and provides professionals with the tools to implement this therapy. Kaplan argues that visual dysfunction is a significant but neglected problem associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and other developmental disabilities, and that common autistic symptoms such as hand-flapping, poor eye contact and tantrums are typically a response to the confusion caused by vision disorder. The author explains the effects of difficulties with 'ambient vision' - the function that is usually impaired in autistic people - which include a lack of spatial awareness and trouble with coordination. He gives guidance on how to identify the visual deficits of nonverbal children, select prism lenses that will alter the visual field, and create individually tailored programmes of therapy in order to retrain the system. Seeing Through New Eyes is essential reading for any professional in the fields of optometry and ophthalmology, autism educators and researchers, and for parents considering vision therapy for their child.

Vision therapy techniques can correct not only visual problems, but also cognitive, emotional and physical difficulties. Based on the pioneering work of Dr Melvin Kaplan, this research-based book explains the basis of vision therapy, who it can help, and the outcomes it can bring. Visual perceptual problems can cause an array of difficulties, from reading and writing, to issues with balance, clumsiness, and tunnel vision. Severe symptoms can lead to a diagnosis of anxiety, depression, learning disability or even autism. In this groundbreaking book, Dr Kaplan shows how these symptoms point to interventions that change the way that the eyes process information, permanently counteracting visual deficits and impacting on behaviour. Case studies demonstrate how to plan and implement visual management programs according to a patient's symptoms, illustrating the wide range of life-changing results that vision therapy can achieve for people of all ages, regardless of severity of symptoms. Dr Kaplan also shares his expert knowledge of ambient yoked prisms - a tool that transforms light to alter visual stimulation, dramatically transforming perception and cognition. This accessible book presents readers - including parents and families, clinicians, and other professionals working with individuals with visual perception problems - with a comprehensive introduction to the benefits and methods of vision therapy.