Understanding Visual Processing Problems in Kids: Symptoms and Solutions

What happens when our children can't interpret what they see? As parents, we often take for granted that our kids can see clearly. However, the reality is that vision is more than just seeing clearly; it's about understanding what we see. Some children face challenges with visual processing, an issue that often goes unnoticed until it begins to affect their academic performance or daily activities.

 

Understanding Visual Processing

Visual processing is a complex function of the brain that involves interpreting and understanding what we see. It's not just about recognizing shapes or colors; it's about understanding the spatial relationships between objects, remembering visual information, coordinating physical movements based on what we see, and more.

Visual processing issues can manifest in many different ways and can affect numerous areas of a child's life, from academic performance to social interactions. These problems don't mean that a child has poor vision. A child with perfect 20/20 vision can still have visual processing issues because the problem lies not with the eyes but with the brain's ability to process visual information.

These issues can be quite challenging for children, as they can interfere with a child's ability to learn and develop normally. But the good news is that there are ways to identify, diagnose, and treat these problems.

 

Common Visual Processing Problems in Children

There are several types of visual processing issues that can affect children. Some of the most common include visual discrimination issues, where a child struggles to see the difference between two similar letters, numbers, or objects. Visual figure-ground discrimination problems, where a child can't distinguish an object from its background. Visual sequencing issues, which affect a child's ability to see and understand the order of symbols, letters, or words,. And visual-motor processing issues, where a child struggles to use visual information to coordinate their physical movements.

These are just a few examples of the types of visual processing problems that can affect children. Each child may experience these issues differently, and it's possible for a child to have more than one type of visual processing issue.

Symptoms of Visual Processing Problems in Children

Identifying visual processing problems in children can be challenging, especially because the symptoms can vary widely from child to child. However, some common symptoms may indicate a visual processing issue. These include difficulty with reading and writing, problems with math, struggles with spatial skills, problems with hand-eye coordination, or difficulty paying attention to visual tasks.

 

The Role of Optometrists in Diagnosis

If you suspect your child might have a visual processing problem, an optometrist can play a crucial role in diagnosing the issue. While optometrists are often associated with prescribing glasses, they also have the expertise to evaluate a child's visual information processing skills.

During an assessment, an optometrist will perform a series of tests designed to evaluate various aspects of visual processing, such as visual discrimination, visual memory, and visual-motor integration. The results of these tests can help determine whether a child has a visual processing issue and, if so, what type.

 

Treatment Options

Once a visual processing problem is diagnosed, there are several treatment options available. Depending on the type and severity of the problem, these treatments may include vision therapy, educational interventions, or a combination of these.

Vision therapy involves exercises designed to improve a child's visual skills, while occupational therapy can help a child improve their motor skills and coordination. Educational interventions can include changes in classroom accommodations or teaching strategies to help a child succeed academically.

 

Conclusion

Visual processing problems in children can be challenging, both for the children who experience them and for their parents. However, with understanding, early detection, and appropriate treatment, these challenges can be effectively managed.

If you suspect your child may have a visual processing problem, consult with our professionals at Advanced Family Eye Care in our Broken Arrow or Wagoner, Oklahoma, office. Please call (918) 279-8830 or (918) 485-2123 to schedule an appointment today.