Learning difficulties and dyslexia

Dr Peter Allen, Dr Rupal Lovell Patel, and Professor Shahina Pardhan.
Collaboration between Myopia and Visual Function group, Department of Vision and Hearing Sciences, Dispensing and Department of Psychology.

Learning difficulties and dyslexia research

Current activity:

To research into factors that influence visual stress in both typically developing children and those with developmental disorders
To assess visual function in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Deafness.
To investigate the usage of colour as a therapeutic intervention in children with Developmental Disorders (ADHD, Tourette Syndrome & Autism)
To investigate how definitions, diagnosis and prognosis of learning difficulties differ from two standpoints: optometry and psychology.

We collaborate with colleagues from Bradford University, University of Essex (visual stress) and Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust.

Outcomes:
We have developed innovative techniques to factors that induce visual stress.

Publications

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Allen, P.M., Gilchrist, J.M. and Hollis, J. (2008) Use of visual search in the assessment of pattern-related visual stress and its alleviation by coloured filters. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 49, 4210-4218.

Allen, P.M., Hollis, J. (2008) Meares-Irlen syndrome - a need for increasing awareness in the general public - Reply. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, 28, pp 291-292.

Hollis, J., Allen, P.M., Fleischmann, D. and Aulak, R. (2007) Personality dimensions of people who suffer from visual stress Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, 27, pp 306-310.

Hollis, J., Allen, P.M. (2006) Screening for Meares-Irlen Sensitivity in Adults: Can assessment methods predict changes in reading speed? Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, 26, pp 566-571.

Ludlow, A. K., & Wilkins, A. J. (2009) Colour as a Therapeutic Intervention: The Case of J.G. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 39(5), 815-818

Ludlow, A.K., Wilkins, A. J., & Heaton, P. (2008). Coloured overlays enhance visual perceptual performance in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 2(3),498-515.

Ludlow, A. K., Wilkins, A. J., & Heaton, P. (2006). The Effect of Coloured Overlays in Children with Autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 36(4), 507-516

Professional journals
Allen, P.M., Evans, B.J.W., Wilkins, A.J. (2009) Vision and reading difficulties part 5: Clinical protocol and the role of the eye-care practitioner. Optometry Today (22nd May)

Wilkins, A.J., Allen, P.M., Evans, B.J.W. (2009) Vision and reading difficulties part 4: Coloured filters: Evidence and mechanisms. Optometry Today (24th April)

Wilkins, A.J., Evans, B.J.W., Allen, P.M. (2009) Vision and reading difficulties part 3: Coloured filters: Background and techniques. Optometry Today (27th March)

Evans, B.J.W., Allen, P.M., Wilkins, A.J. (2009) Vision and reading difficulties part 2: Optometric and orthoptic correlates of reading problems. Optometry Today (27th February)

Allen, P.M., Evans, B.J.W., Wilkins, A.J. (2009) Vision and reading difficulties part 1: Specific learning difficulties and vision. Optometry Today (30th January)

Anglia Ruskin University