Visual Processing Disorders: In Detail

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:

• Long-term visual memory is the ability to recall something seen some time ago.
• Short-term visual memory is the ability to remember something seen very recently.

Difficulties Observe

• Remembering the spelling of familiar words with irregular spelling
• Reading comprehension
• Using a calculator or keyboard with speed and accuracy
• Remembering phone numbers

Types of Helpful Strategies:

• Provide handouts that are clearly written.
• Provide oral instruction to reinforce written directions.

Visual Closure

The Skill: The ability to know what an object is when only parts of it are visible

Difficulties Observe

• Recognizing a picture of a familiar object from a partial image. Example: A truck without its wheels
• Identifying a word with a letter missing
• Recognizing a face when one feature (such as the nose) is missing

Types of Helpful Strategies:

• Practice with jigsaw puzzles and rebus-type games.

Spatial Relationships

The Skill:The ability to understand how objects are positioned in space in relation to oneself. This involves the understanding of distance (near or far), as well as the relationship of objects and characters described on paper or in a spoken narrative.

Difficulties Observe

• Getting from one place to another
• Spacing letters and words on paper
• Judging time
• Reading maps

Types of Helpful Strategies:

• Practice estimating distance with ball games and using a tape measure.
• Create maps and travel logs.
• Practice social skills that focus on judging appropriate physical proximity to others.

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