Vision Therapy Results
Well, here we are. Finally at the end of 36 weeks of Vision Therapy. His therapy pretty much spanned the school year and it seems fitting to be finishing up at the same time as summer just is taking off. We are very happy with his vision therapy results.
I’ll be honest, I’m feeling a bit emotional as I write this. These last seven years (starting at age 2) have been a journey with our middle son. Between therapy in the home, therapy in Early Childhood, therapy at the clinic, Brain Balance, integrative doctors, functional medicine doctors, and lots of diet/supplement interventions along the way, we’ve been through a lot.
We’ve not “arrived” by any means, and I’m not sure that we ever will fully.
BUT, I would say that vision therapy was one of our son’s “magic bullets” in unlocking his potential. He has made huge strides this past year, largely due to Vision Therapy. So right now, I just sit here, thankful.
It is difficult to accept your child’s delays, but also necessary, so you can love and enjoy them as they are. And have peace. However, I do not think we should just stay stuck in this thinking if there is something out there that can help them.
The difficulty is striking the balance between loving them for who they are AND continuing to seek out things that can help them. This is a balance I have often failed at and other times managed to strike quite well.
For us, homeschooling has been a huge ingredient in our child’s confidence and success.
It has allowed us to customize our son’s education to cater to his passions and strengths while gently working on his weaknesses. I am grateful to be able to do so.
Ok, had to get that sappy stuff out of the way. As much as I want this blog to help others, it’s also healing for me to write. Dual purpose. Win-win. Two birds one stone. 🙂
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Here are the gains we’ve seen from Vision Therapy
(many of these were mentioned in the 12 week update I did too):
Ball play is easier
Not as easily fatigued
Considerably fewer headaches
Handwriting improved
Spelling improved (And I should note – I don’t do spelling as a subject!)
Hiking is easier. He described this as “less stumbling”. When we went to Yellowstone in the fall, he had to stay near me or hold my hand to feel safe on the paths. He would often lose his footing or feel unsure on the trails. This is not an issue now. Just two weeks ago we did a rigorous hike (picture below was taken mid-hike) and this kid was at the head of the pack, trekking with confidence!
Focus while reading much improved. His words were, “It’s easier to concentrate while reading.”
I love objective results, so I was thrilled to find out he went from reading AND comprehending 128 words per minute for his grade level, to reading and comprehending 208 words per minute for his grade level. This was a huge jump!
Obviously, we are elated with his progress. We will still be doing a couple of exercises each day, but in total it should only be about 5 minutes a day. I’m okay with that! Especially since he does most of them without my help.
He continues to use this slant board which makes schoolwork, especially writing, easier.
If you want more info about vision therapy, check out this post I did for his 12 week update.
This is so exciting! You are such a great mom, Katie! Praising God with you!
Thanks for being such a kind and supportive friend. 💕
Was vision therapy covered by your insurance?
The exams were covered, but not the actual therapy. It’s usually not covered but sometimes it is – you have to just check with your insurance provider.