Vision Therapy for Visual Processing Difficulties
Without good visual processing skills, the brain can't make sense of the world we see with our eyes. A child may have clear distance vision but still struggle with understanding or remembering pictures or symbols.
Signs and Symptoms of Difficulties with Visual Processing
If you are experiencing any of the difficulties below, you may be experiencing problems with your visual processing:
- Poor organisation on a page
- Reversals of numbers, letters or words
- Poor handwriting
- Problems with sight words
- Poor spelling
- Poor letter or word recognition
- Not recognising the same word in the next sentence
- Constantly re-reading the text to gain meaning
- Poor attention
- Poor comprehension
- Reading and writing skills that do not match maths ability
- Dropping of school performance for no apparent reason
- Avoidance or disruptive behaviours during class
- Difficulty following a series of instructions
An optometrist does not diagnose dyslexia, ADD/ADHD or learning difficulties but it is important to these conditions but will work with other professionals to ensure that vision difficulties are not further hampering a child or adult in their life. problems are not hampering their programs.
Types of Vision Processing
Visual Memory
Visual memory allows for the immediate recollection of how letters, numbers, shapes or objects look. If a child can’t recall a sight word from one page to the next or has difficulty copying information from the board to their notebook, it’s often a sign that visual memory is impaired.
A child who struggles with comprehension often has issues related to visual memory.
Visual Sequential Memory
Visual sequential memory is the ability to remember listed items in the correct sequence. This is essential for both spelling and reading. A child who struggles to remember the order of letters, numbers, or shapes in a series has visual sequential memory difficulties.
Visual Discrimination
Visual discrimination is an important skill for reading, writing, math, and social interactions. It is the ability to detect differences in visual images. If a child has trouble recognising slight differences, it can lead to confusion between two people, or words and letters, such as ‘saw’ and ‘was.’
Visual Figure-Ground
If a child struggles in this area, they will likely get overwhelmed by a page with a lot of words. This ability to distinguish an object from its background helps with reading skills.
How Can We Help?
The Focal Point Optometrist in Wembley can help your child to improve visual processing skills. We offer comprehensive vision evaluations and personalised vision therapy programs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.