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Eye Exams for Kids with Autism and ADHD: Flexible, Compassionate Care at Glens Falls Vision Care

Senior Woman Eye Exam

Every child deserves access to comfortable, compassionate vision care—especially those with unique sensory or developmental needs. At Glens Falls Vision Care in Queensbury, we’re proud to offer specialized eye exams tailored to children with autism, ADHD, or other disabilities.

We understand that neurodiverse children may experience the exam process differently, and we’re here to meet them where they are.

Can We Adapt the Eye Exam for Neurodiverse Kids?

Absolutely. Each child is unique, and we tailor our approach based on individual needs and parental guidance. Many children with ADHD and mild sensory sensitivities complete exams with ease, especially when parents prepare us with context.

For children with more complex needs, we take additional steps to make the environment calm and flexible.

Each case is different, and our first priority is listening to the parents. They’re the experts when it comes to their child’s comfort levels and communication preferences. We work closely with families to make sure each visit is supportive and stress-free.

Real-World Experience with Special Needs Patients

Our eyecare team frequently works with children who are nonverbal or have cognitive disabilities. Using techniques like retinoscopy ("scoping"), we can measure vision without relying on verbal communication or reading letters, making the process ideal for nonverbal children or those with sensory sensitivities.

These quiet, observation-based methods allow us to provide accurate prescriptions and essential eye care, even for patients who struggle with traditional medical environments.

What to Expect During a Special Needs Eye Exam

If you're a parent of a neurodiverse child, you’ll find that our approach is:

  • Patient-centered – we move at your child’s pace.
  • Flexible – we adapt the structure of the exam as needed.
  • Low-stimulus – we keep the lighting soft and noise levels minimal.
  • Nonverbal-friendly – we use observation-based tools when needed.
  • Collaborative – we involve parents in every step.

We may schedule extra time for your child’s appointment, allowing for a more relaxed environment without the pressure of a fast-paced exam. Our staff is trained to use calm tones, minimal touch, and visual cues to keep the experience as smooth as possible.

Our Goal: Making Eye Care Accessible to Every Child

Children with autism, ADHD, or cognitive disabilities may struggle with new environments or sensory input, but that shouldn’t stand in the way of getting the eye care they need.

By providing specialized tools, trained staff, and an empathetic atmosphere, we help ensure that every child can receive safe, thorough, and personalized care.

Schedule a Special Needs Eye Exam in Queensbury

If your child has special needs, we invite you to contact Glens Falls Vision Care in Queensbury to discuss how we can make their visit as comfortable as possible. We’ll talk through your concerns, make adjustments for your child’s comfort, and work together to deliver quality care.

Call us today to book a sensory-friendly or adaptive eye exam, or reach out with any questions. We’re here to support your child’s vision—on their terms.