What is a Visual Processing Disorder?
When discussing visual processing disorders, it is often confused or mistaken for other learning difficulties or disorders. So, to understand the condition better, it’s best to look at it from two perspectives: visual acquisition skills and visual processing.
Visual acquisition skills pertain to how our eyes and brain collaborate to gather information, process it, and help us make sense of what we see. On the other hand, the visual processing element involves assimilating and interpreting the information, enabling us to comprehend the visual stimuli.
There are three core visual acquisition skills:
- Eye-tracking - the ability to point to and track objects or words on a page, which is essential for reading and following a moving object
- Eye-teaming - the coordination of both eyes to look at a single object, which is vital for depth perception and eye-hand coordination
- Eye-focusing - linked to how effectively we can see things up close and make them clear, which is also crucial when reading, using a computer, or participating in similar activities
So, when individuals have challenges with these skills, they could potentially have a visual processing disorder. However, these visual processing difficulties might manifest in various ways, and no two children or adults will face the same challenges.
For example, some may have challenges assessing colour, size, and orientation. In contrast, others may have visual memory issues or challenges with reading comprehension.
It’s crucial to understand that even though people with visual processing disorders find it challenging to understand visual information, this does not affect their intellectual abilities. At Leaf Complex Care, we take a humanised approach and strive to improve the quality of people with visual processing disorders.
Symptoms and Signs of Visual Processing Disorder
Some symptoms and signs of visual processing disorder can easily be mistaken for other learning difficulties or conditions, such as dyslexia or ADHD. However, visual processing disorders are substantially different and require different treatments and support.
Some signs that might indicate an individual has visual processing difficulties include:
- Mixing up similar-looking words (b and p; m and w)
- Writing letters or numbers in reverse
- Having difficulties with reading comprehension
- Having difficulties following multi-step directions
- Having difficulties with telling time
- Finding it challenging to spell words
- Aversion towards any visual tasks
- Complaints of blurred vision during or after reading
- Having challenges with copying words
- Having challenges with remembering words, letters, or numbers
Aside from these characteristics, a few specific things children portray early on can indicate challenges with visual processing.
Visual Processing Disorder in Children
It may indicate that a child is experiencing challenges with visual perception if they rely heavily on using their finger to follow along while reading. Furthermore, if children make a lot of head movements or become “wiggly” while reading, it can indicate that they need to work on their fine motor skills. This is important because these skills are necessary for using our eyes to track along pages.
It’s crucial to understand that visual processing disorder and its characteristics are difficult to explain when coming from a child.
So, what can parents do to see whether a child is experiencing visual processing challenges?
One activity is to have a child practice distinguishing between their right and left hands. These activities can be incorporated into everyday tasks such as putting on shoes, brushing teeth, or any leisure activities that include objects. Additionally, following a child’s progress while writing or drawing and trying to understand the most challenging aspect can help.
Visual Processing Disorder in Adults
Visual processing disorders can have a significant impact on the lives of adults. Symptoms such as difficulty while reading, challenging spatial awareness, and challenges with depth perception can move towards adulthood, and people can live undiagnosed with any visual processing disorder.
However, this does not mean any visual processing disorder should go without treatment. Adults tend to experience stress, anxiety, and anger due to some symptoms. At Leaf Complex Care, we believe everyone deserves the support and assistance that will make everyday life easier.
Types of Visual Processing Disorders
There are eight types of visual processing disorders, each with unique characteristics. An individual can experience more than one type of visual processing difficulty.
Visual Discrimination Issues
Visual discrimination is the ability to recognise the similarities and differences between specific shapes, sizes, colours, patterns, and objects. An example of a person with challenges with this visual information is confusing signs such as ‘+’,’-‘, ‘&’, and other similar ones.
Other characteristics include:
- Visual processing issues with letters and numbers
- Challenges with recognising differences in patterns and objects
- Challenges with finding relevant information during open-book tests
- Visible displeasure with activities such as puzzles or reading
- Challenges with keeping order while reading aloud
Visual Figure-Ground Discrimination Issues
Visual figure-ground discrimination is a critical aspect of visual perception and is one of the key components of figure-ground visual perception. People with visual figure-ground discrimination may have challenges with tasks that involve identifying and locating specific visual stimuli in complex or cluttered visual environments.
Other characteristics include:
- Challenges with concentrating on books or any written material
- Challenges with reading speed
- Challenges when asked to identify letters or details in words or images
- Challenges with scanning for information from written materials
Visual Sequencing Issues
Individuals with visual sequencing issues may have challenges with tasks that involve organising visual information or visual details. This includes remembering and following directions or steps, distinguishing between visual patterns, or recognising and reproducing visual sequences.
Other characteristics include:
- Challenges with spelling words
- Challenges with remembering forms (shape, colour, orientation)
- Signs of whispers while writing
Visual-Motor Processing Issues
This visual motor processing disorder is present when individuals have challenges interpreting visual information, affecting their visual motor integration.
Other characteristics include:
- Challenges with hand-eye coordination
- Difficulty with staying within lines when writing or colouring
- Visible displeasure with sports
- Inconsistent handwriting, often difficult to read
Visual-Spatial Issues
Visual-spatial issues mainly affect visual motor skills and result in the inability to tell how far objects are from an individual and one another. This can affect individuals when navigating through surroundings, interacting with objects, and engaging in activities requiring spatial perception.
Other characteristics include:
- Challenges with solving math problems by mixing up the order of numbers
- Challenges with navigating through crowded environments
- Continuous challenges with tying shoes
- Challenges with catching objects (during physical activities)
Visual Closure Issues
Visual closure is a skill that helps you identify objects even when they are partially visible.
Hence, this visual processing disorder might include the following:
- Challenges with finding or identifying an object that's not fully visible
- Challenges with sounding out familiar words
- Challenges with puzzle activities
- Challenges with reading at a fast pace
Although this condition can be frustrating for the affected individuals, plenty of activities can help improve visual closure characteristics.
Letter And Symbol Reversal Issues
With this visual processing disorder, individuals have difficulty processing the correct shape of numbers or letters.
Characteristics of this processing disorder include:
- Writing in reverse (also referred to as mirror writing)
- Having challenges with remembering the shapes of the letters or numbers
It’s important to note that this visual processing difficulty is often mistaken for dyslexia. However, if someone writes in reverse, it does not mean they have dyslexia.
Long-or Short-term Visual Memory Issues
Challenges with remembering shapes, symbols, or objects that one has previously seen might be because of a visual processing disorder.
Long or short-term visual memory issues might make reading and spelling challenging. However, there are fun activities that can reinforce this vital skill. Classic memory games with cards with pictures or words are a great start, and children usually enjoy them.
How Does VPD Affect Learning in Children?
In some cases, children with visual processing disorders can be mistaken for having dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia or ADHD. This is because individuals with the condition might avoid certain physically challenging or overstimulating activities.
In the classroom, children might appear inattentive because they need to take breaks from the visual material, which might be overwhelming at times. As a result, individuals might appear as though they’re daydreaming or staring off into space. Unfortunately, teachers may be unaware of the visual processing issue and ask them to refocus, even though the individual is simply taking a needed break.
So, it’s essential to recognise that children living with a visual processing disorder may need a different approach to learning and that their behaviour is often a coping mechanism rather than an attention issue. At Leaf Complex Care, we understand the challenges of visual processing issues and tailor our supportive care based on the individuals’ needs.
Can Children Outgrow Visual Processing Difficulties?
Visual processing issues are life-long conditions. However, there are special accommodations through which individuals can gain specific skills and overcome some of the symptoms.
Visual perception disorder treatment involves one-on-one vision therapy to help people improve their reading, math, and concentration skills. Additionally, relaxation glasses and prism lenses can grant individuals relief.
It’s paramount to remember that individuals with a visual processing disorder often face unique challenges in their daily lives. So, with the help of caring professionals, families, and educators, people with VPD can receive the support and encouragement needed to achieve any goal and live life to the fullest.
Living with VPD
Adults with visual processing disorders may have additional challenges with their jobs, social lives, and personal relationships. Some may feel isolated or ashamed, believing they are the only ones facing these difficulties. Children with visual processing difficulties may face unique challenges in school, finding it hard to keep up with their peers and feeling frustrated with their lack of progress.
Despite these challenges, many resources are available to help children and adults with visual processing difficulties. Early intervention and support can be key in helping children overcome these challenges and learn how to function in school and beyond. For adults, seeking support groups or counselling services can provide a safe space to share experiences and learn coping strategies. With the right tools and support, individuals with visual processing difficulties can live fulfilling lives and achieve their personal and professional goals.
It is important to remember that visual processing difficulties are not a reflection of intelligence or ability and that anyone can achieve their full potential with the right support with the right support.
How Does Leaf Complex Care Support People With Visual Processing Difficulties?
At Leaf Complex Care, we believe in providing humanised support for individuals to help them thrive. Our clinicians work closely with the children, accompanying them to school or class and providing assistance and support throughout the day.
In addition to helping with homework and other school-related tasks, our clinicians take the time to identify each child’s strengths and leverage them to build their confidence and self-esteem.
By focusing on their strengths, we help children and adults recognise their full potential and encourage them to pursue their interests and passions. Our dedicated clinicians provide a nurturing and empowering environment, helping individuals to develop academically, socially, and emotionally.
For more information, contact us now.
