What is Visual Processing
Visual processing skills enable us to interpret and make sense of visual information—just like solving "Where’s Wally?" puzzles or playing "Spot the Difference." These skills are crucial for everyday tasks such as reading, writing, and understanding visual cues in the environment.
In the early primary years, children are still developing these skills. Any difficulties in visual processing can significantly affect their learning and academic progress. For example, when learning to read, children rely heavily on their ability to recognise and differentiate letters, words, and sentences.
However, challenges in visual processing can make these tasks much harder. A child with visual processing difficulties might struggle to distinguish between similar-looking letters like "b" and "d" or find it hard to track words across a page. These challenges can lead to delays in reading and other areas of learning.
Recognising and addressing visual processing difficulties early on, can make a world of difference. Teachers play a key role in this process. By understanding a child's specific strengths and weaknesses in visual processing, educators can adapt their teaching strategies to support the child's needs better and foster their academic growth.
At Vis-CAT, we are committed to helping teachers identify and address visual processing challenges. Explore our resources to learn how to spot potential issues, guide parents toward early testing, and tailor your teaching methods to help every child reach their full potential
Available Resources
Getting Assessed
When to Recommend Getting Assessed
Parents and teachers should watch for signs and symptoms of vision
problems in children, such as:
- Sitting unusually close to the television
- Losing the place while reading
- Holding books very close
- Avoiding reading or near tasks
- Tilting head to one side or closing one eye
- Rubbing eyes
- Headaches
- Short attention span
While these signs and symptoms may not necessarily mean an eye-related or vision
problem is present, an eye examination with your optometrist is a great
place to start.
The significance of vision in learning cannot be overstated, as it is widely regarded as the most pivotal sense. A child's multifaceted capabilities are essential for performance, and success in various life endeavours heavily rely on optimal vision, given that a substantial 80 per cent of a child's learning is mediated through the visual system.
How does getting Assessed Help?
These tests are usually administered by professionals such as school psychologists, paediatric occupational therapists, or developmental optometrists, who can then use the results to guide intervention and support strategies tailored to the child's needs to achieve your goals.
- Early Detection: Identifying visual processing issues early can help with timely interventions and support.
- Learning Difficulties: Children struggling with reading, writing, or other academic skills may benefit from visual processing assessments to uncover underlying issues impacting learning.
- Behavioural Concerns: Children with behavioural issues or difficulties with attention and focus may also have visual processing challenges.