It Could Be Your Eyes
Are you a parent who has been searching for answers to why your child is struggling academically? Have you been told that your child needs strabismus surgery or patching, and it just doesn’t feel right to you? Are you trying to set your kiddo with sensory needs up for success and feeling lost in the process? Have you suffered a brain injury or concussion and refuse to accept that these current limitations are your permanent “new normal”? My name is Dr. Juanita Collier and I am a Behavioral Optometrist with a private practice specializing in Vision Therapy, Rehabilitation, and Development. Through diving deep with my team, parents, patients, and professionals, we will uncover that vision may be the underlying cause of real life challenges in academics, work, sports, and daily life. While we often think 20/20 eyesight is perfect vision, vision actually takes place in the brain. And if there is any disconnect, any slight lack of coordination between the brain and the eyes, how you see what’s in front of you can be remarkably different than what’s actually there. Through this podcast, you will discover, that the challenges that you are facing may actually be stemming from a difficulty with how you’re seeing…It Could Be Your Eyes.
It Could Be Your Eyes
How Can We Raise Awareness of Visual Processing?
"If a child can't hear instructions properly or process what they see, how can we expect them to succeed academically? Awareness and early intervention are crucial."
Today, we dive into the critical topic of visual processing disorders and their impact on learning and development. We are joined by two distinguished guests, Sue Mann and Michelle Kotler.
Sue is the founder of Bright Minds Processing. She's an advocate for children’s rights to comprehensive eye exams, especially those with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) and Visual Processing Disorder (VPD). "Our mission is to educate as many parents about children with APD and VPD. Together we can lobby schools to implement solutions. Our collaboration of professionals will empower parents and families so they can work with us to implement our APD and VPD programs into their schools."
Michelle has 30 years of experience in special education, providing consultation and advocacy for families seeking to help their children receive an appropriate public education. Michelle's background as a teacher, school administrator, and attorney gives her a unique perspective on the intersection of legal and educational challenges in addressing visual impairments.
Our discussion covers the importance of proper eye exams, the challenges in the current educational system, and the profound implications of visual and auditory processing disorders.
Discover how you can contribute to raising awareness and supporting the necessary reforms to help every child succeed.
In this episode you’ll hear about:
(00:00) Intro
(00:50) Sue's Journey with Visual and Auditory Processing Disorders
(02:07) Michelle's Advocacy in Special Education
(03:15) Challenges in Identifying Visual Impairments in Schools
(07:38) Sue and Michelle's Collaborative Efforts
(11:20) Understanding APDs, Raising Awareness, and Educating Teachers
(21:19) Challenges in Pediatric Healthcare and Nonprofit Efforts
(22:30) School Screenings and Behavioral Concerns
(24:53) Parental Challenges and Financial Barriers
(27:05) 4D Built to Read Digital Program
(30:10) Advocacy and Celebrity Influence
(31:50) Misdiagnosis and the Need for Better Screenings
(43:42) Call to Action and Resources for Parents
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If you enjoyed this show, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. We really appreciate your support!
Send us a screenshot of your review and receive 10% off any one of our 4D Vision Gym products or services. And if your friends or family are experiencing inexplicable challenges, refer them to this podcast and tell them, “It Could Be Your Eyes.”