BVD in Children with Autism: Hidden Vision Problems

When a child with autism struggles with focus, reading, coordination, or sensory overload, vision is rarely the first area considered. Yet for many children on the spectrum, Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) is the underlying vision issue affecting how they process the world visually. Even with clear eyesight, misalignment or poor eye coordination can place constant stress on the visual system - contributing to challenges that are often attributed solely to autism rather than an untreated vision condition.

What Is Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD)?

Binocular Vision Dysfunction occurs when the eyes are unable to work together as a coordinated team. Even when each eye can see clearly on its own, poor eye alignment or coordination can cause the brain to receive conflicting visual information.

This mismatch forces the visual system to work harder than it should, often leading to symptoms such as:

•           Eye strain or visual fatigue

•           Difficulty focusing or tracking objects

•           Headaches or dizziness

•           Avoidance of near tasks like reading or writing

In children, especially those with autism, these symptoms may not present as obvious vision complaints. Instead, they often appear as behavioral, sensory, or learning challenges.

Why BVD Is Often Missed in Children with Autism

Traditional eye exams typically focus on visual acuity - how clearly a child can see letters on a chart. Many children with BVD pass these exams with “20/20” vision, even though their eyes are not working together properly.

For children with autism, this creates an even greater risk of missed diagnosis because:

•           They may have difficulty communicating discomfort or visual confusion

•           Sensory overload may mask or mimic visual symptoms

•           Behaviors linked to vision problems may be attributed solely to autism

As a result, BVD is frequently the underlying vision issue contributing to symptoms that parents and educators struggle to explain.

Signs of BVD in Children with Autism

Vision-related challenges in children with autism can show up in subtle and unexpected ways. Some common indicators include:

•           Poor attention during reading or schoolwork

•           Frequent rubbing of the eyes or covering one eye

•           Avoidance of close-up tasks

•           Head tilting, closing one eye, or unusual posture when looking at objects

•           Increased frustration, meltdowns, or anxiety during visually demanding activities

•           Difficulty with depth perception or coordination

Because these behaviors overlap with common autism traits, binocular vision problems are often overlooked unless a comprehensive functional vision evaluation is performed.

How Vision Therapy Helps Children with BVD and Autism

Vision therapy is a structured, individualized program designed to improve how the eyes and brain work together. For children with autism and BVD, vision therapy focuses on building essential visual skills such as:

•           Eye teaming and alignment

•           Focusing flexibility

•           Eye tracking and coordination

•           Visual processing and spatial awareness

Therapy sessions are customized to each child’s developmental level, sensory needs, and learning style. Exercises are often play-based and engaging, making them more accessible for children on the spectrum.

Over time, many families report improvements in:

•           Visual comfort and stamina

•           Attention and task engagement

•           Academic participation

•           Overall confidence and reduced frustration

While vision therapy does not treat autism itself, it can remove a significant visual barrier that may be interfering with progress in other therapies and daily activities.

Take the Next Step at Carolina Vision Rehabilitation

Binocular Vision Dysfunction is a frequently overlooked yet highly impactful condition in children with autism. When the eyes are not working together properly, the resulting visual stress can influence behavior, learning, and sensory processing. Because BVD is often the underlying vision issue, addressing it through specialized evaluation and vision therapy can unlock improvements that traditional approaches may miss.

If your child has autism and struggles with attention, learning, or visual tasks, a binocular vision evaluation may provide valuable answers. Contact Carolina Vision Rehabilitation to schedule an evaluation and learn how addressing hidden vision problems can support your child’s success. Visit our office in Charlotte, North Carolina, or call (980) 613-0919 to book an appointment today.