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Visual Processing Disorder

Rogers Bridge » Visual Processing Disorder

Visual Processing Disorder, also called visual motor deficit or visual perception deficit, refers to a person’s ability to make sense of information that is taken through the eyes. Deficits in this area can impact how visual information is processed by the brain. Difficulties with visual motor skills may include slow reading, difficulty copying shapes, poor handwriting skills, difficulty finding information on a page, or being unable to complete puzzles.


This disorder is commonly mistaken for other disorders including dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, and ADHD.

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Visual Processing Disorder, also called visual motor deficit or visual perception deficit, refers to a person’s ability to make sense of information that is taken through the eyes.

Signs of Visual Processing Disorder

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  1. Visual Discrimination
    Visual discrimination issues impact a person’s ability to determine the difference between similar looking letters, words, shapes, or objects. This may cause delays in reading fluency which can impact a person’s ability to comprehend what they have read.
     

  2. Visual Figure-Ground Discrimination
    Visual figure-ground discrimination describes a person’s ability to locate an object, form, or word within a busy field. This may describe a picture scene or a text with small print. They may have difficulty concentrating and be easily distracted during these activities.
     

  3. Visual Sequencing
    Visual sequencing impacts a person’s ability to recall the order of letters, symbols, words, or pictures. A person may have difficulty reading words in order, misreading letters or numbers, remembering sight words or skipping lines during text when reading. They may also have difficulty organizing, solving and aligning numbers in math problems.
     

  4. Visual-Motor Processing
    Individuals with visual-motor processing may have deficits using what they see with the eyes to coordinate with the way they move with other body parts. For example, knowing when to swing the bat after a pitcher throws the ball. These deficits can lead to difficulty copying information from the white board onto paper or a person may bump into objects while walking.
     

  5. Long or Short Term Visual Memory
    Long or short term visual memory is the ability to remember shapes, symbols, or objects a person has seen previously. Short term visual memory is the ability to recall something seen within a very short period of time and with little distraction or interference. Long term visual memory is the ability to recall something seen some time ago. This includes a person’s ability to copy information involving reading and spelling. A person may have difficulty with reading comprehension or performing well on tests.
     

  6. Visual Spatial 
    Visual Spatial is the ability to understand where objects are in space such as “near” and “far.” A person may have issues knowing how close an object is to one another. This leads to difficulty identifying position in space, both of oneself as well as other objects. An individual may have difficulty writing or coloring inside the lines, spacing letters and words on a page when writing, judging time, or reading maps.
     

  7. Visual Closure
    Visual closure is the ability to identify objects when only parts of it are showing. Individuals with this deficit may have difficulty identifying “part” versus “whole.” This can have a tremendous impact on spelling as it is difficult to recognize a word if a letter is missing.
     

  8. Letter and Number Reversals
    Letter and number reversals are when individuals switch numbers or letters when writing. This leads to difficulty in reading and math such as identifying different patterns and perceiving differences between similar letters or words. They may make many mistakes often such as “b” for “d” or “w” for “m”.

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FAQs: Visual Processing Disorder (VPD)

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  1. Visual Processing Disorder (VPD) is commonly also referred to as Visual Processing Deficit, Visual Perceptual Disorder, Visual Perceptual Deficit, and Visual Motor Integration Disorder (VMI).
     

  2. What is Visual Processing Disorder (VPD)?
    Visual Processing Disorder occurs when the brain struggles to interpret and process visual information received from the eyes, even though vision itself is normal. This condition affects a child’s ability to read, write, recognize patterns, understand spatial relationships, and differentiate objects. VPD includes challenges such as visual motor deficits, visual discrimination disorder, and visual perception difficulties, which can impact everyday tasks and academic success.
     

  3. What are the common signs of Visual Processing Disorder?
    Children with Visual Processing Disorder often show these signs:

    • Difficulty reading or tracking words on a page, often losing their place.

    • Struggles with hand-eye coordination, making tasks like catching a ball or copying from the board more challenging.

    • Trouble distinguishing between similar shapes, letters, or numbers (e.g., confusing "b" and "d").

    • Difficulty completing puzzles or identifying objects in a busy or complex background.
      These signs may point to visual discrimination challenges, visual motor processing deficits, or other aspects of VPD.
       

  4. How does Visual Processing Disorder affect learning?
    Visual Processing Disorder can significantly hinder a child’s academic performance. Issues such as visual processing delays or visual perception deficits make it harder to copy notes, read fluently, interpret charts, and solve math problems involving spatial awareness. Over time, these difficulties can lead to frustration, reduced confidence, and avoidance of academic tasks. Addressing VPD early can help prevent these challenges from negatively impacting a child’s learning journey.
     

  5. How is Visual Processing Disorder treated?
    Treating VPD involves a combination of therapies and tools tailored to the child's unique needs. Common approaches include:

    • Vision Therapy: Exercises to improve how the brain processes visual input.

    • Occupational Therapy: Activities that enhance fine motor coordination, hand-eye coordination, and visual-motor skills.

    • Assistive Tools: Large print materials, color overlays, visual aids, and simplified environments to reduce sensory overload.

      With the right strategies, children can build skills to manage visual processing deficits and improve their quality of life.
       

  6. When should I seek help if I suspect my child has VPD?
    If your child consistently struggles with reading, writing, or tasks requiring hand-eye coordination, and you notice these difficulties stem from how they process visual information, it’s time to seek professional help. Specialists like occupational therapists or developmental optometrists can perform evaluations to determine whether visual processing disorder or a related issue, such as visual motor deficit or visual discrimination disorder, may be the cause.​​
     

Does your child demonstrate any of these signs?
We're happy to provide more insights. Reach out to us to learn more.

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References:

https://www.advancedvisiontherapycenter.com/about/blog/e_1096/Signs-of-a-Vision-Problem/2021/4/What-is-Visual-Processing-Disorder-
https://www.churchillstl.org/learning-disability-resources/visual-processing-disorder/

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