When we hear the word “vision,” we often think of how clearly we see. But vision is more than eyesight. It’s a key sensory system that helps our brain process and interpret information from the world around us, enabling us to navigate spaces, recall details, plan actions, and coordinate movement.

Visual Processing Disorder (VPD) occurs when the brain has difficulty interpreting what the eyes see. This isn’t about blurry vision or needing glasses; it’s about how visual information is understood and used by the brain.

Because visual processing is such an involved topic, I’ve divided it into two parts. In Part One, we’ll cover the first four types of visual processing issues.

The First Four Types of Visual Processing Issues

1. Visual Discrimination Issues

Visual discrimination is the ability to notice and distinguish between different shapes, letters, or objects. Children with visual discrimination challenges may:

• Confuse letters like “b” and “d”
• Struggle with left versus right
• Reverse numbers or mix up similar-looking objects

Though these signs may resemble dyslexia, they are not the same. Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability, while visual discrimination issues stem from how the brain processes visual information. Fortunately, visual discrimination can often improve with targeted vision therapy exercises.

2. Visual Figure-Ground Discrimination Issues

This issue affects a child’s ability to locate a specific object in a busy background. Signs may include:

• Difficulty finding a toy in a crowded play area
• Struggling to spot shapes or items on a worksheet
• Feeling overwhelmed by cluttered environments

For children with figure-ground challenges, activities like “Where’s Waldo?” may be more frustrating than fun. Support strategies often focus on creating clearer, more organized visual environments.

3. Visual Sequencing Issues

Visual sequencing is the ability to recognize the correct order of symbols, words, or images. Children with this challenge may:

• Skip lines while reading or writing
• Reverse or misread letters, numbers, and words
• Have trouble copying information from one place to another

These issues can make reading fluency and written work particularly difficult. Visual sequencing skills can often be strengthened through specialized educational support and therapy.

4. Visual-Motor Processing Issues

Visual-motor processing affects a child’s ability to coordinate their vision with body movement. Common signs include:

• Difficulty with writing and copying text
• Clumsiness or poor hand-eye coordination
• Challenges in sports or playground activities

Occupational therapy is a common and effective intervention for visual-motor challenges. With practice and support, children can often develop stronger coordination skills over time.

Why Early Awareness Is Important

Understanding visual processing issues gives parents, educators, and caregivers valuable tools to support children more effectively. Many VPD signs can overlap with symptoms of ADHD or learning disabilities, making early recognition essential for accurate diagnosis and intervention.

Children struggling with VPD may not be able to explain what they’re experiencing. What appears to be frustration, distraction, or clumsiness is often an unseen struggle with visual processing.

By learning to recognize these challenges, we can create more supportive environments that help every child reach their potential.

Next Steps:

If you found this overview helpful, I invite you to continue with Part Two of this series, where I explore the remaining four types of visual processing issues.

For families looking for hands-on support, I offer personalized reading intervention and remediation services designed to help children with all types of learning disabilities and differences—including Visual Processing Disorder (VPD), dyslexia, ADHD, and more.

Whether your child is just beginning to struggle or you’re seeking additional strategies alongside existing therapies, I’m here to help.

Contact me today to learn more about my programs and schedule a consultation. Together, we can support your child’s learning journey.