It has been determined that there are approximately 3.5 million school-aged children in the U.S. who have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder-Hyperactive or Non-hyperactive type). At the same time, it has been estimated that as many as 1.5 to 2 million more children may have the disorder but are as yet undiagnosed. Those who are affected by this condition have difficulty focusing on tasks, reading, and thinking. Although the treatment for the disorder often involves medication, at least in part, there are other options that can prove to be of benefit, especially if a non-invasive approach is preferred.
There is the increasing opinion that many children who have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, may actually be facing a totally different challenge that does not require medication at all. In those cases, very often something called vision therapy can prove to be "just what the doctor ordered" and without any invasive side effects. This can also be true for another condition called dyslexia, a variable often familial learning disability involving difficulties in acquiring and processing language that is typically manifested by a lack of proficiency in reading, spelling, and writing. Vision therapy involves visiting a specialist such as a behavioral optometrist (or developmental optometrist) for related testing and evaluation. If the child is considered a good candidate after this evaluation, vision therapy sessions are begun, which usually include various approaches to reading. One of these approaches may involve reading through colored but transparent overlays or filters. Each individual may experience a different result with each individual colored filter used. Sometimes, discovering just the right color of filter can mean all the difference in the world for an individual reader. It has been helpful to many children and adults.