in ADHD, Autism, & Special Needs Support

The struggle

My LO (5f) has been complaining lately about how her eyes hurt. She had her first eye test appointment today and it did not go well, to put it lightly. Couldn’t even make it to the first part of the test where they take a scan of her eyes as she looks at a hot air balloon. We’re back in a few days to try again but what can I do to encourage her to try it? Bribery didn’t work, had demonstrated what happens with several people (myself and her friend included), gave her a treat to occupy her hands, explained the scan and what happens several times. I’m at a loss here, any advice is welcome rn

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Maybe a social story about getting her eyes checked and what happens or have a look on YouTube for this. Did you explain to them at the optician she has sen needs? Does your daughter like fidgets or have something to comfort her? That you could take?

@Hayley her uncle works there and he has experience with SEN needs, they figured out when they saw us that she has SEN needs, it’s on her notes too. I’ll give it a go with the YouTube recommendation though and I’ll be sure to remember to bring all the things to keep her calm throughout (her comfort teddy, fidget pop, and chewable necklace). Thank you so much xx

@Caitlin I just thought my sons school use therapy putty which can help too. I've just ordered some for my lad from amazon. And anytime hope it helps. 🙂

Could you try a behavioural optometrist they can be better suited to our kids and have better knowledge of how to help them. I saw your uncle works there and understands, but do they have the training with working with SEN kids. Hope you can get the eye test done. My son has had iophthalmologist since birth and a lot of times when he was younger have to do the tests when he was asleep or we would have to hold him and they can check in his eyes manually without the computer things we would have to give him a tight hug (as he like compression) and try to hold his hands and since he wasn't verbal til late they would see in his eyes and diagnose the problem from that. Good luck i hope you get the answers your after.