Visual Processing Disorder

A visual information processing disorder is a reduced ability to process visual information. It is determined with a visual information processing assessment and can be supported with vision therapy and the use of glasses, or colour therapy.

Vision is a process of the eyes gathering information from the outside world, the visual pathways sending the information to the brain, and the brain then deciphering the information and making decisions about what has been seen. Learning is 80% visual. So, it’s important that the visual system is working its best to contribute to the learning process. This means every step of the process needs to be working well.

It is important to make sure, before assessing how the brain interprets visual information, that the brain is receiving a good, strong signal from the eyes. This is referred to as visual input. Read here for more information about good visual input and the signs and symptoms of eyesight, eye teaming and focusing problems. 

Once it is established that the eyes are sending a good quality signal to the brain, the brain’s best able to make a decision about what it sees can be tested. This is done through a series of tests which assess the visual information processing skills, such as visual-spatial skills, visual analysis skills, and visual-motor skills.

As the signs and symptoms can be similar, a visual information processing disorder is often confused for dyslexia, and vice versa. They are, in fact, quite different; here is more information about the difference between the two. 

More information on a Visual Information Processing Assessment