Visual Processing Disorder
The brain doesn’t properly process visual information
What are visual processing disorder?
Vision, like any of our other senses, must be interpreted by our brains in a meaningful manner for us to function well in in our daily life. Visual symbols must be interpreted by the brain so that children can read and write. Some children are overwhelmed by the visual stimulation, while other children pay no attention to visual details and would prefer to be outside rather than inside reading a book.
Children with visual perceptual issues are often misdiagnosed with attention deficit disorder. Not all children with attention deficit disorder have visual processing problems, but many of them do have deficits in visual perception. These are the children who improve moderately or not at all with attention deficit medication. There is no diagnostic place for these children so they often fall the through the cracks of both the medical system and the educational system, even when they struggle to perform school tasks that should come easily to them.
How does therapy help visual processing disorder?
I use a whole body approach that targets a child’s deficits. Consistency of performance is the key to success in the classroom for these children. We use a structured sensory motor approach. Children usually move continuously the first 45 minutes of their weekly hour session. Fine motor, perceptual skill training, or handwriting skills typically comprise the last 15 minutes of each session. Therapeutic goals are addressed in levels, with clearly stated criteria, so that each child will know that they are progressing.
How do I test for visual processing disorder?
A child’s first appointment is a two-hour evaluation. Standardized tests and clinical observations are administered. A parent conference is scheduled at a later date for the parents to receive the child’s test results, an explanation of what they mean, and how the child might benefit from therapy. Questions and discussion are encouraged.
These standardized tests are administered every 6 months of treatment to determine progress against a national norm.
Other Treatments
Sensory Processing Disorder
Addresses sensory processing issues to help both academic and behavior meltdowns in children.
Dysgraphia
Focuses on why children with visual perception and fine motor skill deficits might have issues with handwriting.
Tongue Tie
Releases fascial restrictions in neck, shoulders and core muscles to optimize tongue tie release.
Craniosacral
Uses gentle touch to release fascial restrictions for all ages, from infants to adults.
Schedule Your Evaluation
Jeannette Schwartz, M.S., OTR
