At Underhill Optometry, we believe every child deserves excellent vision care—even if sitting still, making eye contact, or following instructions isn’t easy.
Every parent knows their child best. If your child is on the autism spectrum, has attention challenges, or struggles with new environments, you’ve probably worried how they’d handle an eye exam.
We get it. And we want you to know: we’ve got a plan.
At Underhill Optometry, we offer adaptive pediatric eye exams designed specifically for children with neurodiverse needs. Whether your child has autism, ADHD, sensory processing difficulties, or behavioral challenges, our approach is flexible, patient, and centered on keeping them at ease.
Tailored Exams for Kids Who Learn or Behave Differently
Children on the spectrum or with ADHD often experience eye exams differently. Some may resist being touched or overwhelmed by lights. Others may be fidgety, hyperverbal, or completely non-verbal. We tailor the exam to match their needs and communication style.
Here’s how we do it:
- Faster pacing to respect short attention spans
- Hands-on redirection to prevent button pressing or equipment grabbing
- Non-verbal testing using objective tools like retinoscopes and penlights
- Visual distractions, such as cartoons on screen to help them focus
If needed, we pivot to a completely objective eye exam. That means your child never has to answer questions, identify letters, or even speak—our Dr. Stephanie Kong gathers accurate vision data through observation alone.
Creating a Safe and Predictable Environment
Predictability is key for many kids with neurodiverse traits. We aim to reduce surprises and stress by:
- Explaining what’s happening in simple, clear terms
- Keeping tools visible to ease anxiety about unknown equipment
- Letting the child explore the space before we begin, if needed
- Using a calm, steady tone throughout the appointment
We also welcome parent input before and during the visit. If your child has specific triggers or calming techniques, let us know—we’re happy to adjust.
In some cases, parents may prefer to give their child a walkthrough of the office before the exam date. At Underhill Optometry, we’re always happy to schedule a brief intro visit or offer pre-visit guidance over the phone.
What If the Exam Doesn’t Go As Planned?
Sometimes, a child just isn’t ready. That’s okay.
If your child becomes overwhelmed or we’re unable to complete the exam, we can reschedule for another day. Even gathering part of the needed data is progress, and we’ll build on that with each visit.
There’s no rush and no judgment. We understand that trust is earned, not expected.
Pediatric Vision Care for Kids with Special Needs in North York
When you search for an “optometrist near me” who can work with your child’s needs, you deserve a provider who listens, adapts, and understands.
At Underhill Optometry, we’re proud to support children in North York with:
- Sensory-aware exam methods
- Compassionate, low-pressure care
- Clear communication with families
Whether this is your child’s first eye exam or you’re searching for a better care experience, our eyecare team is ready to help.
Book a sensory-friendly pediatric eye exam today by requesting an /contact-us/appointment-request-form/.
We look forward to welcoming your child and supporting them every step of the way.