Visual Processing Disorder

A hindered ability to make sense of information taken in through the eyes and processed through the brain.

Characteristics

Perceiving words, letters, and numbers inaccurately

Directionality problems in reading and math

May lose place frequently

Visual memory problems

Headaches after reading

Difficulty writing on lines.

Trouble copying from a model

Difficulty perceiving words and numbers as separate units

Struggling with identifying symbols, gaining info from pictures, charts, graphs or using visually presented material.

Poor object recognition

Poor spatial relations

Poor visual discrimination

Play Video

Stop & Jot:Based on the characteristics, which students come to mind?

How does it manifest in the classroom?

Classroom Strategies

Confusion of similarly shaped letters & numbers (b/d, p/q/g, z/s)

Have student do word and/or letter sorts.

Provide student with word frames where the letter needs to be filled in (i.e., student needs to fill in a “b” or a “d”).

Clearly spaced words and problems, more white space on pages, use teacher made tests with fewer test items per page.

Enlarge print.

How does it manifest in the classroom?

Classroom Strategies

Frequent word reversals (“was” instead of “saw”)

Use word sorts.

Use colored overlays.

Have students cross check their decoding: Does it look right? Does it sound right? Does it make sense?

Provide student with copy of notes, an outline or a Power Point presentation.

Use cloze activities and frames.

Use darker lines on the paper and more space to write.

How does it manifest in the classroom?

Classroom Strategies

Difficulty tracking print

Letters appear to wiggle or jump on the page to the student

Enlarge print on paper, or via AV equipment.

Use a line guide or bookmark.

Use visual tool to emphasize text such as a colored overlay, or framed magnifier.

Print worksheets or tests on colored paper.

Try a reading pen that reads aloud.

Read aloud websites.

Turn & Talk:

* Which strategies have you tried and found successful?

* Name a new strategy that you’d like to try on!

How does it manifest in the classroom?

Classroom Strategies

Problems distinguishing between symbols (+,-, <, >, etc.)

Highlight symbol before they start their work.

Color code symbols e.g. blue for addition, yellow for subtraction.

Allow students to work with a study buddy.

How does it manifest in the classroom?

Classroom Strategies

Difficulty aligning math problems

Use graph paper or turn lined paper sideways.

Use a place value chart or mat to record problems.

Use both visual and auditory directions; break into steps.

Use manipulatives or tactile activities.

How does it manifest in the classroom?

Classroom Strategies

Difficulty with one to one correspondence

Increase distance between objects/manipulatives for counting.

Model hand over hand.

How does it manifest in the classroom?

Classroom Strategies

Difficulty copying things from the board

Preferential seating near the board or screen.

Provide a copy of Keynote or Powerpoint slides for note taking.

Use pictures or icons to help students zero in on key information.