![]() Ideally, most adults have developed tools to help articulate their feelings. Showing kids how to recognize stimuli and verbalize what’s unpleasant is a big part of my psychotherapy practice. For example, a child with autism might be struggling with the flicker from fluorescent lighting in the classroom, but he might not be able to tell the teacher what’s bothering him. But many kids with disabilities, especially those that are elementary school age or younger, have a hard time forming their thoughts, feelings and experiences into something coherent. GH: Adults are often able to verbalize something that’s bothering them. How do children and adults respond differently to things that bother them? But light and glare from screens - tablets, computers and phones - can be harmful for anyone, not just our patients. A lot of kids with autism are interested in technology. Some of the issues associated with lighting are a result of the way our world is changing. These lights are just one tool I use to help reset and reorganize my patients’ nervous systems. ![]() I have toys that light up to help kids work on their focus. With other kids, we have to be careful about contrast and glare so they can stay focused on the task in front of them. If we leave the lights on, I’ll notice his eyes drifting to the ceiling or to different areas in the room. His visual system is in total disorganization at all times, and he’s one of those kids who walks into my office and immediately turns out the lights. One of the little boys I see has nystagmus, which causes constant eye movements. Poor lighting can agitate or distract them, making things worse. MW: Many of our patients are struggling with facets of everyday life, like dressing. Light sensitivity can also lead to general agitation, migraines or even seizures. It can inhibit exercise or social interaction. GH: Poor or harsh lighting can cause fatigue. What are some of the problems associated with light sensitivity? A lot of my patients look completely normal on the outside, yet they’re struggling. MW: I see a lot of children on the autism spectrum as well as children with Down syndrome, mitochondrial disease, cerebral palsy and birth injuries. Patients with a concussion, mild TBI or migraines are perhaps the most light sensitive among those we serve. We work at a pediatric clinic, so many of our cases are referrals from pediatric neurologists for things like ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, concussion, epilepsy, specific learning disabilities or intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and even migraines. I can think of a number of conditions that include significant light sensitivity issues. GH: Many patients with a neurological disorder are highly sensitive to sensory stimuli such as flashing lights or loud noises. What are examples of neurological conditions that can make people more sensitive to light? Here's what they had to say about lighting for ADHD, migraines, autism and many other neurological conditions. Hunter and Wilm often follow their patients for many years. Her colleague, Marion Wilm, OTR/L, C/NDT, is an occupational therapist. ![]() Gretchen Hunter, Ph.D., is a clinical neuropsychologist and clinical supervisor at Child and Family Development in Charlotte, North Carolina. To learn more about the impact of lighting and lighting design on populations that are light sensitive, we went straight to two experts who work with these patients every day. Patients with many neurological disorders struggle with light sensitivity, so lighting design is a key concern for this population. Nearly half a billion people suffer from a neurological, mental or behavioral disorder (National Library of Medicine).
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