In this episode of The OT is IN I share a personal story about my journey as a homeschool parent and occupational therapist, focusing on the impact of vision on handwriting and learning. I share the challenges my son faced due to preterm birth and the subsequent impact on his visual attention and eye movements. I explain how my son's struggles with reading and writing led us to seek help from a developmental optometrist and explore alternative methods to strengthen his visual skills.

By sharing our experiences, I aim to spark curiosity and encourage parents like you to observe and support your children's unique learning styles. Tune in to uncover the importance of considering vision in the handwriting puzzle and the power of seeking support in the homeschooling journey.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Development of an infant's vision in relation to preterm birth
• Impact of premature birth on visual attention in infants
• Early Signs of Visual Processing Challenges
• Son's early developmental clues, such as excessive movement and limited speech
• Misattributing challenges to sensory processing instead of vision
• Realization of the need for vision-focused interventions
• Implementation of Vision Therapy
• Assessment by a developmental optometrist
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• Engagement in vision therapy and exercises
• Identification of convergence disorder and visual scanning insufficiency
• Alternative Approaches to Handwriting and Vision Improvement
• Adapting handwriting activities to reduce frustration
• Reorienting the home environment to encourage left-to-right scanning
• Utilizing drawing, Lego building, and bird watching to improve spatial visual skills
• Emphasizing tactile-based learning and phonics rules for reading improvement
• Utilization of auditory-based learning methods and note-taking strategies
• Measuring Progress and Strength-Based Learning

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• More of our story on Julie Bogart’s BraveWriter Podcast Episode #193
• Visual Scanning Activities from Your Therapy Source
• Visual Scanning Ideas from OT Toolbox
• Eye development from Lozier Institute
• Preterm Birth and the Development of Visual Attention During the First 2 Years of Life
• Beyond 20/20 Vision: Understanding Crucial Aspects of Visual Assessment in Children
• Harnessing the Great Outdoors for Visual Development and Learning

Connect with Sarah Collins

• Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOT
• Join the Facebook Group: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOT
• Visit the Homeschool OT Website