By exploring how visual problems develop, this comprehensive book shows how visual dysfunctions can be reversed through effective and efficient therapy, which will help children reach their full potential and see the world clearly. Original.

A revelatory account of the brain's capacity for change When neuroscientist Susan Barry was fifty years old, she experienced the sense of immersion in a three dimensional world for the first time. Skyscrapers on street corners appeared to loom out toward her like the bows of giant ships. Tree branches projected upward and outward, enclosing and commanding palpable volumes of space. Leaves created intricate mosaics in 3D. Barry had been cross-eyed and stereoblind since early infancy. After half a century of perceiving her surroundings as flat and compressed, on that day she saw the city of Manhattan in stereo depth for first time in her life. As a neuroscientist, she understood just how extraordinary this transformation was, not only for herself but for the scientific understanding of the human brain. Scientists have long believed that the brain is malleable only during a "critical period" in early childhood. According to this theory, Barry's brain had organized itself when she was a baby to avoid double vision - and there was no way to rewire it as an adult. But Barry found an optometrist who prescribed a little-known program of vision therapy; after intensive training, Barry was ultimately able to accomplish what other scientists and even she herself had once considered impossible. Dubbed "Stereo Sue" by renowned neurologist Oliver Sacks, Susan Barry tells her own remarkable journey and celebrates the joyous pleasure of our senses.

Dr. Kaplan identifies common ASD symptoms such as hand-flapping, poor eye contact and tantrums as typical responses to the confusion caused by vision disorder. He also explains the effects of difficulties that people with autism experience with "ambient vision," including a lack of spatial awareness and trouble with coordination.

This second comprehensive edition of Visual Development, Diagnosis, and Treatment of the Pediatric Patient combines basic concepts of vision development with clinical diagnosis and treatment of vision disorders in infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents. Heavily updated, with new sections on timely issues and topics, the book is ideal for anyone who needs to know the practical aspects of evaluation and care of pediatric patients.

Steve Gallop, OD has been practicing optometry in Pennsylvania since 1990. His personal experience as a patient, along with his many years as an optometrist give him a unique perspective on the nuances of the evaluation and treatment of many types of vison problems, including myopia. Many people - professional and otherwise - are offering various options for dealing with myopia (nearsightedness). This book provides a more thorough perspective on what is available than what is typically provided by other sources. Unlike so many other books, this is in no way a how-to-do-it-yourself guide. Instead, it is meant to explain the complexities of myopia, how you might begin to understand your own situation, and how to go about finding the best people to work with to improve your vision.

"Child development" has always been a traditional component of well child care and a particular area of interest for pediatricians, child neu rologists, and psychologists. However, it was not until the early 1960s that children with developmental disabilities (i. e. , chronic handicapping disorders) became a major focus of public and professional attention. During this period, children with "special needs" were dramatically catapulted into the limelight and "exceptional" became the buzzword of the day. Public and professional awareness of these issues reached new peaks and recognition of the potential psychosocial impairments of chil dren with developmental disabilities created national anxiety. A variety of factors contributed to an unprecedented societal advocacy for chil dren with developmental problems: (1) a national concern generated by President Kennedy'S particular interest in mental retardation; (2) in creased activity and visibility of parent advocacy/lobbying groups (e. g. , the Association for Children with Learning Disabilities); (3) the enact ment of federal legislation designed to protect the rights of the handi capped (e. g. , PL94-142); and (4) the popularization of developmental behavioral disabilities by the various communications media. Cumulatively these events precipitated a redefinition of the real mean ing of "comprehensive health care for children," resulting in an empha sis on the child's neurodevelopmental, educational, psychological, and social needs. For the pediatrician, a myriad of new management respon sibilities were mandated, in addition to the traditional health care con cerns.

Offers a thoroughly revised, comprehensive A to Z compilation of authoritative information on the education of those with special needs.