Listen "Why Vision Is More Than 20/20 – The Missing Piece in Learning & Behavior | Ep 28"
Episode Synopsis
In this eye-opening episode of the Reflex Integration Through Play™ podcast, host Kokeb McDonald dives into one of the most misunderstood and under-assessed areas in child development—functional vision. You’ll learn why passing a 20/20 vision test doesn’t necessarily mean a child can see well enough to learn, focus, and thrive. Kokeb breaks down the three critical components of vision: acuity, efficiency, and processing, and explores how retained primitive reflexes—like the ATNR and TLR—can affect a child’s visual development and performance. She also explains the importance of collaborating with vision specialists, recognizing red flags in both children and adults, and using purposeful, play-based activities to support visual development.You’ll walk away with practical strategies to observe visual inefficiencies, partner effectively with other professionals, and implement the RITP play-based approach using the Visual Skills & Primitive Reflex Development Course, with a live training and Q&A coming up August 29.Episode highlights:01:00 – The 3 parts of vision: acuity, efficiency, and processing02:45 – Real-world examples of vision challenges beyond 20/20 eyesight04:00 – Symptoms and behavior that may signal visual system overload05:15 – Eye-opening stat: 1 in 4 children have undiagnosed vision problems06:30 – How vision issues affect development, school, self-esteem, and adulthood07:10 – The impact of retained reflexes (ATNR, TLR, Palmar, etc.) on visual development08:45 – Why crossing midline isn’t just physical—it’s visual too09:50 – The importance of muscle coordination and perception in vision11:30 – Kokeb’s personal reflections on missing vision screening as an OT12:20 – Observable signs of visual fatigue and dysfunction in therapy and classroom14:30 – Partnering with vision therapists and developmental optometrists15:30 – How RITP’s play-based approach supports visual development16:50 – Movement breaks and classroom-friendly tracking activities for teachers18:10 – Some simple screening examples: tracking, convergence/divergence, etc19:30 – Vision’s role in behavior mislabeling and creating accurate treatment plansImportant research on vision:Eye Tests, Exams & Therapy for Kids and Adults with ADD/ADHDUndiagnosed eye problems can affect children’s learningUnderstanding Overlap Between Vision Problems and Attention Challenges👉 Visual Skills and Primitive Reflex Development Course https://www.integratingreflexes.com/courses/visual-skill-and-primitive-reflex-development/👉 Certification Program Link: https://ritp.info/certification👩🏽🎓 FOR THERAPISTS 👨🏼🎓For pediatric OTs and service providers, our 5-step Reflex Integration Through Play™️ program will give you the knowledge, tools, and experience to confidently help your clients reach their developmental goals with less stress, while having more fun. https://ritp.info/therapists👩👧👦 FOR PARENTS 👨👧👧Working to integrate reflexes at home? Get the 7 Steps to an At-Home Therapy Program for free in your inbox. https://ritp.info/7-steps📱RITP Reference App📱Check out our Reflex Integration Through Play mobile app, with all our exercises, including videos! https://ritp.info/app📚BOOKS📚 https://amzn.to/3R1hoE5Our best-selling Reflex Integration Through Play book series:✅ Moro Reflex✅ Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex ✅ Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex ✅ Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex ✅ Spinal Galant Reflex🌟COMMUNITY🌟 Connect with us inside our FREE Facebook group!https://www.facebook.com/groups/1629371470539695 SUBSCRIBE to receive free occupational therapy resources.
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