This session is part of two comprehensive series:
Therapies in the School 25th Annual Conference PROGRAM A – ON-DEMAND 11
and
Therapies in the School 25th Annual Conference 2024 – ON-DEMAND 11
COURSE DESCRIPTION
School-based referrals are often generated when a child is skipping words when reading. “Poor tracking” may be cited as the cause but is this the root of the problem or just tip of the iceberg? The course will present the basics of objective saccade assessment. It will share real life examples of the signs that skipping words may be more than just “poor tracking” then present treatment ideas to improve the visual deficits associated with reading problems. Recognizing the early signs of dyslexia can help a child get the help they really need.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Differentiate between dyslexia and saccade difficulties using observation and objective testing.
- Recognize the signs of dyslexia in a writing sample or during a reading task.
- Apply proven interventions to improve saccade accuracy.
- Utilize vision-based interventions that can support appropriate dyslexia intervention.
AUDIENCE
School-Based Therapists
COURSE OUTLINE
Understanding the Problem
- Prevalence of eye movement disorders and dyslexia
- How eye movement disorders and dyslexia start to appear for young students
Visual Skills Hierarchy- The 3 Components that Make Up Vision
- Visual integrity
- Visual efficiency
- Visual information processing
Assessing and Intervening at the Visual Efficiency Level
Understanding the Saccade’s Role With Reading Fluency and Handwriting
- Assessing by observation
- Developmental Eye Movement assessment
- Interpreting DEM results- oculomotor, dyslexia, both, neither?
- Assessing and Intervening at the visual information processing level
Processing of Letters and Words
- Turning symbols to language
- The core of dyslexia
- Understanding dyslexia
- Variations in how dyslexia is defined
- Specific learning disorder affecting reading
The Presentation of Dyslexia
- Reading errors
- Spelling errors
- Speech difficulties
- Examples of dyslexia on the Dyslexia Determination Test
- Dyslexia becomes a behavioral problem
Visual Problems Associated with dyslexia
- Visual perceptual problems
- Dorsal stream problems
Interventions to Improve the Visual Aspects of Dyslexia
Saccade Task Demonstrations
- Field scanning activity
- Saccade strip activity
Improving Dorsal Stream Function with Scotch Tape
- The science
- Application of binasal occlusion
- Interventions with binasal occlusion
Visual Perception
- Visual recognition tasks
- Visual discrimination
- Letter reversals
– Tap Slap Activity
– PQBD Charts
Resources and Pulling it All Together
Post-Test
Robert Constantine, OTRL provides vision rehabilitation services to pediatric and adult patients at the Pearl Nelson Center in Pensacola, Florida. His passion for vision started when he worked as the clinical specialist in brain injury at the West Florida Rehabilitation Institute. It was here he developed a passion for evidenced-based treatment, sharing information and the functional effects of the visual system. Beginning in 2013, he enjoyed a 3-year tenure at an optometry practice where he learned techniques working closely with low vision, pediatric and adult optometrists. He has completed Clinical Level 1 and 2 training offered by the Neuro-Optometric Rehab Association.
Robert was also trained in sports vision training working with the High Performance Vision Associates, a national group of optometrists that offer sports vision screenings to elite athletes. He developed specialized Drag Racing Glasses and has worked with NHRA Sportsman and Professional Drag Racers.
Robert has presented vision related courses since 2016, presenting throughout the US to therapists, hospital systems and school systems. His courses are engaging and full of personal experience and the latest evidence-based research.
Robert has an online presence with a blog at VisionRehabOT.com, a Facebook Page at Vision Rehab OT and a YouTube channel at Vision Rehab OT.
Robert Constantine receives a honorarium from Education Resources. Robert also has a Board Membership role with CIAO Seminars and receives royalties. Robert receives a royalty for teaching and speaking with Miss Jaime OT and with PESI.
Robert Constantine has no relevant nonfinancial relationships to disclose.
Once you purchase an online course you will have access to the course materials. If you have purchased this course, please ensure you have logged in to your account in order to take the exam.
Once you purchase an online course, you will have the opportunity to take an exam to test your retention of the material. If you have purchased this course, please ensure you have logged in to your account in order to take the exam. The exam must be completed with a pass rate of 80% or more in order to receive your certificate of attendance.
