My husband and I had been trying to address Michael’s ADHD symptoms in a number of ways for years, including behavior modification, medication, and nutritional supplements and were frustrated. While each approach seemed to work with some aspects of what we thought was ADHD, we really weren’t seeing marked or sustained improvement in Mike’s behavior. His teachers were frustrated, and at times, we were as well.
We began vision therapy in the hopes that Mike might make more lasting progress. The change in his behavior, confidence, abilities, and self image are incredible. Family members have commented that this doesn’t seem to be the same boy! His gym teacher spontaneously offered that he is having a fantastic year, and that things that bothered him before – his inability to perform certain tasks, or his inability to follow the action in a fast paced physical activity – were not a problem for him this year. Even his religious ed instructor has commented that he is so much more focused.
The day to day reality is this:
- He can read clearly, and for a long time, without headache or eyestrain.
- He can throw, catch, and hit baseballs and basketballs as well as other average 12 year old boys.
- He is far more coordinated; less spilling, running into things, tripping for no reason, etc.
- His handwriting is legible (when it wants to be! Remember, as a pre-teen, he does sometimes choose to be sloppy!).
- His ability to verbalize abstractions has greatly improved.
- He is less likely to say “I can’t” when encountering a new activity.
- He voluntarily did an extra credit essay, totally surprising his 6th grade teacher.
- His room is still not as orderly as I would like, but when I call him out on that, he is able to a) see what I mean, and b) bring it to order. This is a huge turnaround.
I had wondered how Mike might react to the therapy sessions themselves. Dr. Les’ approach of demonstrating a calm, relaxed manner with Mike, while at the same time maintaining focus and pushing at just the right intensity for progress, worked well. He related well with Michael, putting him at ease with humor, music, and activities geared to his interests. It was clear that Dr. Les listened to him and adapted his interactions so Mike felt comfortable, secure and always eager to go to therapy. As a result, Mike was eager to please you. Dr. Les explained the exercises to me so we were able to replicate them at home. My son learned that perseverance can pay off, and that consistently working at a problem can result in success. Thank you.