In the latest episode of the Reflex Integration Through Play (RITP) Podcast, Kokeb tackles a topic that’s often overshadowed in conversations about attention challenges: the role of vision.
While ADHD is commonly discussed in relation to attention difficulties, Kokeb shines a light on how visual challenges can mimic, or even contribute to, ADHD symptoms. The episode explores why it’s essential to look beyond behavior and take a holistic approach when assessing and supporting children.
Why Vision Matters for Attention
Many children who struggle to stay focused are quickly suspected of having ADHD, but in some cases, the root issue may be visual. Kokeb explains how inefficiencies in eye movement, visual tracking, and processing can cause kids to lose their place when reading, skip words, or tire quickly during close work. These struggles can look identical to attention deficits.
By integrating comprehensive visual screening into the evaluation process, therapists, educators, and parents can better identify when a child’s attention issues are rooted in visual function rather than purely neurological or behavioral factors.
Taking a Holistic Approach
One of the episode’s key takeaways is the importance of looking at the whole child. Kokeb emphasizes that sustained attention involves more than just the brain—it’s influenced by posture, balance, movement, and reflex integration. Unresolved primitive reflexes, for example, can affect both visual development and attention span.
By addressing the entire body’s role in focus and learning, practitioners can create more effective, lasting interventions.
Research-Backed Insights
Drawing on recent research, Kokeb highlights studies linking visual efficiency deficits to attention challenges in both children and adults. She explains that while standard eye exams may show “20/20 vision,” this only measures visual acuity—not how well the eyes work together or process information.
Practical Strategies for Therapists
The episode wraps up with actionable steps practitioners can take right away:
- Incorporate functional vision screenings into initial assessments.
- Collaborate with vision specialists for deeper evaluations when needed.
- Address underlying reflexes that impact visual and attention skills.
- Use play-based activities to build visual tracking and coordination.
Key Moments From the Episode
Here’s a quick breakdown if you want to jump around:
[00:00] Introduction to the RITP Podcast
[00:23] Understanding Attention Challenges
[01:58] The Role of Vision in Attention
[02:53] Holistic Approach to Attention 04:47 Primitive Reflexes and Visual Attention
[12:16] Research Insights on Vision and ADHD
[15:52] Practical Tips for Therapists
[18:46] Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
This conversation is a reminder that attention is a whole-body process, and without factoring in visual skills, some children may be misdiagnosed or miss out on the right support. By broadening screening practices and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, therapists can make a life-changing difference.
If you work with children who have attention challenges—or if you’re a parent seeking answers—this episode offers both science-backed insight and practical tools to guide your next steps.
So… What Can You Do?
If you’re a therapist, parent, or educator and this is striking a chord, you’re not alone.
The good news is, once you know what to look for, there’s so much you can do. And it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Inside the Visual Skills & Primitive Reflex Development Course, we walk you through how to screen for visual inefficiencies, understand the role of reflexes, and support children using play-based strategies that actually work.
You can also dive deeper into our full RITP Certification Program if you’re ready to take your skills to the next level.
Want to Learn More?
Here are some great reads if you want to explore the research and real-world overlap between vision and learning:
- Vision Therapy for ADD/ADHD
- Why Back-to-School Eye Exams Matter
- Understanding Vision Problems vs Attention Challenges
Attention struggles aren’t always what they seem.
When we pause, look closer, and consider vision alongside reflexes and the whole-body approach, we open the door to solutions that truly help.
This episode is for the parents looking for clarity, the therapists ready to dig deeper, and the educators who want to support students with confidence.
Ready to take the next step? Explore our full range of courses and certifications here:
👉 https://integratingreflexes.com/all-courses
