In this eye-opening episode of the Reflex Integration Through Play™ podcast, host Kokeb McDonald dives into one of the most misunderstood and under-assessed areas in child development—functional vision. You’ll learn why passing a 20/20 vision test doesn’t necessarily mean a child can see well enough to learn, focus, and thrive. Kokeb breaks down the three critical components of vision: acuity, efficiency, and processing, and explores how retained primitive reflexes—like the ATNR and TLR—can affect a child’s visual development and performance. She also explains the importance of collaborating with vision specialists, recognizing red flags in both children and adults, and using purposeful, play-based activities to support visual development.

You’ll walk away with practical strategies to observe visual inefficiencies, partner effectively with other professionals, and implement the RITP play-based approach using the Visual Skills & Primitive Reflex Development Course, with a live training and Q&A coming up August 29.

Episode highlights:

• 01:00 – The 3 parts of vision: acuity, efficiency, and processing
• 02:45 – Real-world examples of vision challenges beyond 20/20 eyesight
• 04:00 – Symptoms and behavior that may signal visual system overload
• 05:15 – Eye-opening stat: 1 in 4 children have undiagnosed vision problems
• 06:30 – How vision issues affect development, school, self-esteem, and adulthood
• 07:10 – The impact of retained reflexes (ATNR, TLR, Palmar, etc.) on visual development
• 08:45 – Why crossing midline isn’t just physical—it’s visual too
• 09:50 – The importance of muscle coordination and perception in vision
• 11:30 – Kokeb’s personal reflections on missing vision screening as an OT
• 12:20 – Observable signs of visual fatigue and dysfunction in therapy and classroom
• 14:30 – Partnering with vision therapists and developmental optometrists
• 15:30 – How RITP’s play-based approach supports visual development
• 16:50 – Movement breaks and classroom-friendly tracking activities for teachers
• 18:10 – Some simple screening examples: tracking, convergence/divergence, etc
• 19:30 – Vision’s role in behavior mislabeling and creating accurate treatment plans

Important research on vision:

• Eye Tests, Exams & Therapy for Kids and Adults with ADD/ADHD

• Undiagnosed eye problems can affect children’s learning

• Understanding Overlap Between Vision Problems and Attention Challenges

👉 Visual Skills and Primitive Reflex Development Course https://www.integratingreflexes.com/courses/visual-skill-and-primitive-reflex-development/

👉 Certification Program Link: https://ritp.info/certification

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For pediatric OTs and service providers, our 5-step Reflex Integration Through Play™️ program will give you the knowledge, tools, and experience to confidently help your clients reach their developmental goals with less stress, while having more fun. https://ritp.info/therapists

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