What Is Visual Processing Disorder and How Is It Treated?
Most of us take what we see with our eyes for granted, but the process of vision is much more complex than we often give it credit for. What starts as light passing through the eye’s cornea becomes a clear image of the world through a system of photoreceptors, the optic nerve, our primary visual cortex, and other complicated networks.
When this complicated system is working as it should, we can trust in our ability to see and understand what’s in front of us. When this complicated system is off track, it can be hard to know where the problem lies. Is it fatigue, stress, or an optical illusion causing problems? Maybe. Or, it could be a health issue called Visual Processing Disorder.
What Is Visual Processing Disorder and What Are Its Causes?
Visual Processing Disorder (VPD) impairs the brain’s ability to process information from the body’s visual system. This makes it difficult for sufferers to recognize objects and understand spatial relationships. In extreme cases, it can make learning and/or daily activities very difficult.
Unlike other vision issues, Visual Processing Disorder is a neurological disorder. This means it can affect a person with 20/20 vision. The disorder originates in the brain and has unique symptoms that differentiate it from other conditions. For example, a person with VPD may struggle to:
- Differentiate between the letters “b” and “d,” or the numbers “6” and “9”
- Navigate stairs or playgrounds
- Focus on tasks while in busy environments
- Exist comfortably around flickering screens or bright lights
The root cause of a person’s VPD is not always clear. It could be anything from a brain injury to premature birth, a genetic predisposition, or as a symptom of another disorder, like ADHD. Whatever the cause, Visual Processing Disorder can be difficult to live with. Our team is here to provide you with the coping strategies, treatments, and support needed to move forward in health.
Is Visual Processing Disorder Linked to Mental Health?
Unfortunately, VPD is known to have a bidirectional relationship with mental health. This means that not only will poor mental health increase symptoms of VPD, but VPD can negatively affect mental health as well. Here are a few reasons that this is the case:
- When the brain must spend extra energy on visual processing, it has less to spend on emotional regulation (and vice versa)
- Altered perceptions make daily tasks more difficult, which may in turn lead to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
- Stress can affect both vision and mental health.
While VPD and poor mental health can feel like a downward spiral, here’s the good news: when you treat one problem, you’re really treating both. Whether it’s a stress management practice, an emphasis on better sleep hygiene, or professional counseling, your efforts will likely have a holistic effect on your overall health.
Is There More than One Kind of Visual Processing Disorder?
There are several types of Visual Processing Disorder, each with its own set of symptoms and recommended treatments. Here are the main types you should be aware of:
- Visual Discrimination (difficulty telling the difference between similar objects or symbols)
- Visual Figure-Ground Discrimination (difficulty distinguishing symbols or shapes from their background)
- Visual Motor Processing (difficulty coordinating between what the eyes see and the hands do)
- Visual-Spatial (difficulty knowing where objects are in relation to other objects)
Because there are different kinds of VPD, it’s important to observe symptoms and take notes that can be shared with your or your loved one’s doctor. Knowing exactly what’s going on will help streamline the evaluation and diagnostic process, allowing you to gain access to treatment and relief more quickly.
How Is This Disorder Treated?
The goal of treatment for VPD is to increase brain-eye coordination. This can be done in a few different ways, depending on the nature of the client’s disorder. Typically, a doctor will recommend Vision Treatment, which focuses on visual memory, processing speed, and visual-motor integration. This treatment is usually performed by an optometrist and involves using a variety of tools to improve focus, memory, etc.
Additionally, occupational therapy, educational therapy, and professional counseling can be helpful in making it easier for a person to cope with the disorder throughout daily activities. Unfortunately, Visual Processing Disorder cannot be cured. But with intentional treatment, a person can reduce their symptoms and find greater success in their personal, professional, and educational life.
How to Help a Child with Visual Processing Disorder
Visual Processing Disorder can be especially difficult to cope with for children and students. As a parent, you may wonder how you can set your child up for success at school and in life. Here are some practices we recommend:
- Talk to your child and ask questions about which tasks they find most challenging. For some students with VPD, reading can be difficult. For others, the biggest issue may be math or even recess or P.E. Knowing where they’re at and what they’re struggling with can help you better understand how to help.
- Try reading their assignments out loud to see if that helps with their comprehension and processing. If you find success with this practice, reach out to your child’s teacher and encourage them to read work aloud in the classroom as well.
- Consider working with your child’s school to create an IEP or 504. These educational plans and provisions can give your child extra time to complete assignments.
If you would like to learn more about helping a child with VPD, give NPS a call. We have helped countless students find success in the classroom and can guide you and your child toward a path that makes sense.
Call NPS Today
Our team is here to help in whatever way you need. If you or a loved one is struggling with Visual Processing Disorder, reach out. We can provide support, treatment, and guidance. And if it’s your first time meeting with us, don’t forget to ask about our free 15-minute meet & greets so you can get to know your counselor in advance!
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