Visual Processing Disorders: In Detail

There are lots of ways the brain processes visual information. Weaknesses in a particular kind of visual processing can often be seen in specific difficulties with practical, everyday tasks.

Below is an explanation of each of the types of visual processing. Each category also includes:

• Possible difficulties that can occur if there is a weakness in that area
• Possible strategies that may help overcome the difficulties.

Be aware that weakness can occur in one or more category at the same time.

See Visual Processing Disorders - Challenges & Strategies by Age Group for an overview of visual processing disorders through the different developmental stages of life.

It is also important to note that many people without any kind of visual processing disorder experience problems with learning and behavior from time to time. However, if a person consistently displays difficulties with these tasks over time, testing for visual processing disorders by trained professionals should be considered.

Visual Discrimination

The Skill:
Using the sense of sight to notice and compare the features of different items to distinguish one item from another

Difficulties Observe

• Seeing the difference between two similar letters, shapes or objects
• Noticing the similarities and differences between certain colors, shapes and patterns

Types of Helpful Strategies:

• Clearly space words/problems on a page.
• Anticipate confusions and point out examples of correct responses.

Visual Figure-Ground Discrimination

The Skill:
a shape or printed character from its background

Difficulties Observe

• Finding a specific bit of information on a printed page full of words and numbers.
• Seeing an image within a competing background

Types of Helpful Strategies:

• Practice with 'find the item' challenges, such as "Where's Waldo?"
• Use an index card or marker when reading to blot out distraction of other words.
• Highlight useful information while reading.

Visual Sequencing

The Skill:
The ability to see and distinguish the order of symbols, words or images

Difficulties Observe

• Using a separate answer sheet
• Staying in the right place while reading a paragraph. Example: skipping lines, reading the same line over and over
• Reversing or misreading letters, numbers and words
• Understanding math equations

Types of Helpful Strategies:

• Combine reading with oral presentation.
• Color code written instruction.

Visual Motor Processing

The Skill:
Using feedback from the eyes to coordinate the movement of other parts of the body

Difficulties Observe

• Writing within lines or margins of a piece of paper
• Copying from a board or book
• Moving around without bumping into things
• Participating in sports that require well-timed and precise movements in space

Types of Helpful Strategies:

• Allow use of a computer.
• Allow use of a tape recorder for lectures.
• Substitute oral reports for written ones.
• Provide a "note buddy" to check that topic notes are clear and well-organized.

Visual Memory

The Skill:
There are two kinds of visual memory: