Visual Processing Disorders: In Detail

By: National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) (2003)

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 Observed

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:

Discriminating a shape or printed character from its background

Difficulties Observed

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 Observed

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 Observed

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 Observed

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

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 Observed

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