Understanding the Label
We’ve all heard the term “problem child.” I recently listened to a talk by Jenna Evelyn (@neurodiversejeneration ), and her story truly moved me. She was labelled the “problem child” throughout her school years. But the truth? She wasn’t a problem at all. She was a child with undiagnosed ADHD and sensory processing issues who needed understanding, support, and the right care.
Since receiving proper therapy and the right medication, she’s begun to thrive—and her story, although painful, is one I encounter all too often as an optometrist who works extensively in paediatric and behavioural optometry.
A Story That Hits Close to Home
A 19-year-old patient came to me after years of struggling in school. Teachers had labelled him as lazy, difficult, and disruptive. He was diagnosed with ADHD, but still endured years of trauma and misunderstanding.
When I asked him a simple question—“Do you like reading?”—his answer revealed everything:
“I would love to read, but I try for five minutes and the words go on top of each other. They move. I get frustrated and angry, and I give up.”
This frustration, this anger—this was never defiance. This was a child communicating that he was struggling. Sadly, his behaviour was misunderstood as mischief. But what he had were undiagnosed visual issues, including:
- Binocular vision dysfunction
- Uncorrected hyperopia (farsightedness)
- A small-angle strabismus (squint)
Children Speak Through Behaviour
Children don’t always have the words to explain what they’re experiencing. Instead, they speak through behaviour. And when that behaviour is disruptive, emotional, or inconsistent, it may not be a discipline problem—it may be a vision problem or another sensory issue.
We helped this patient by prescribing glasses and beginning vision therapy. His reading speed improved, his ability to study increased, and—most importantly—he could remember what he read. He was excited to start reading The Witcher series and is now studying to become a personal trainer.
When we alleviate the visual burden, we free up cognitive space for higher functions like learning, memory, and comprehension.
Before Labelling a Child… Ask “What Else Could It Be?”
Too often, children are prematurely labelled as:
- Lazy
- Naughty
- Disruptive
- Problematic
Before jumping to conclusions, we must ask:
“What else could it be?”
Behaviours That May Indicate Visual Issues:
- Difficulty sitting still
- Trouble concentrating
- Inconsistent academic performance
- Avoidance of reading or homework
- Crying or fighting about schoolwork
- Clumsiness
- Disliking puzzles or being unable to complete them
A Collaborative Approach to Child Development
Vision is one piece of the puzzle. At our practice, we collaborate with other professionals, including:
- Occupational therapists
- Craniosacral therapists
- Neurodevelopmental physiotherapists
- Speech therapists
- Educational Psychologists
- Play therapists
Together, we look at the whole child to better understand what their behaviour is trying to tell us.
We Listen. We Evaluate. We Care.
Next time a child seems “disruptive” or refuses to read, consider what they might be trying to communicate. Their behaviour might be a symptom of something deeper.
At our practice, we take the time to properly evaluate children (and adults) to ensure that no visual barrier prevents them from thriving. Whether it’s glasses, vision therapy, or a referral to another allied health professional, we are committed to supporting your child’s full potential.
Because every child deserves to be seen, heard, and understood.
Book a Comprehensive Visual Assessment Today
If your child is struggling in school, avoiding reading, or showing signs of behavioural difficulties, don’t wait. Book a full visual evaluation with our paediatric and behavioural optometrist. Let’s explore whether vision is the missing piece in their development journey.
