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Orthoptistic Children With Autism Essay

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Autism is a behaviourally characterized disorder which is described by subjective disabilities in communication, social interaction and repetitive mannerisms. A confined scope of interests and sensory hypersensitivity is likewise a typical element of the disorder. In the first part of this essay I will be discussing the implications these autistic traits can pose to an orthoptist in a typical assessment of a 7 year old child.
Research by Bultas, Hellings et al and Matson 1 have demonstrated that common practices of autism, including shouting or verbalizations, fits of rage, hostility toward self or others, anxiety, uneasiness, fears, and irritability; confound the delivery of health care for children with autism on the grounds that these practices …show more content…

If we relate this to an Orthoptic assessment and we give the example of an autistic child who has poor convergence and so is given convergence exercises to do at home; this research would suggest that by attempting to explain to the child (along with the parent) how to perform the exercises, the likeness of the child actually completing the task increases. This is because the child is given a level and respect and responsibility by the orthoptist and this may help them in their aftercare. These are just some of the techniques and strategies that can be used with autistic children to try calm them down, ultimately leading to a successful orthoptic …show more content…

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