Visual Processing

directionality activitesWhat is Visual Processing?

Visual processing is the brain's ability to use and interpret information collected from the eyes. This information travels down the optic nerve to the lateral geniculate nucleus of the Thalamus.  It then travels to the most posterior region of the brain - the visual cortex which resides in the occipital lobe of both cerebral hemispheres. The information is then interpreted through a series of complex cognitive processes that communicate with various parts of the brain.


What are the Different Types of Visual Processing?

  • Visual Discrimination and Directionality
  • Visual Memory and Visualization
  • Visual Sequencing
  • Visual Closure
  • Visual Reasoning
  • Visual-Spatial
  • Visual Figure-Ground
  • Visual-Motor
  • Visual Synthesis
  • Visual Form Constancy
  • Visual Tracking (this is not technically considered visual processing - rather the control of one's physical eye)

How Does Visual Processing Impact Learning?

This skill enables students to make sense of nonverbal cues, symbols, letters, numerals, pictures, diagrams, and graphs to name a few.  Those that struggle with visual processing weaknesses often experience confusion or overwhelm.  It is important to strengthen this core cognitive skill as it is the foundation for reading, spelling, writing, and math.