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An eye examination is a stressful situation for anyone but because of the potential for sensory overload we need to be especially careful when we examine someone on the autistic spectrum.1,2
Autism is a condition characterised by a triad of impairments affecting social interaction, communication and imagination. It is estimated that autism affects over 500,000 people in the UK.3 The severity of the impairment varies with individuals and although someone with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) can have other accompanying learning difficulties, there are many individuals with an ASD who have average or above average IQ. People with ASD may also participate in repetitive behaviours such as spinning objects or flapping of hands. This trait may be modified as the child develops from a physical manifestation into the collection of information.4,5
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