Visual Processing vs. Auditory Processing: Understanding Your Child’s Struggles in School

As a parent, it’s both exciting and reassuring to engage in a full conversation with your child, especially when they can articulate their thoughts, understand your commands, and converse like an adult. You know they’re smart. However, what if these impressive verbal skills don’t seem to translate into their reading and academic performance at school? If your child’s verbal abilities are far ahead of their reading skills, there may be a deeper issue at play—one that involves how their brain processes visual information.

Verbal Skills vs. Reading Skills: A Potential Red Flag

Children who are verbally articulate often leave parents and teachers puzzled when they struggle with reading. How can a child who speaks so well find reading so challenging? The answer could lie in how their brain processes visual information. While 80% of learning happens through the visual system, if there’s a problem with how the eyes are working together, it can significantly impact a child’s ability to read, comprehend, and perform well in school.

Unlike auditory processing, which your child may excel at, visual processing involves the coordination of the eyes and how they send information to the brain. When this process isn’t functioning properly, it can create a disconnect between what the eyes see and how the brain interprets it, leading to difficulties in learning.

The Signs of a Visual Processing Issue

If your child is exhibiting the following signs, it may be an indication of a visual processing issue:

• Poor Reading Comprehension: Despite being able to understand spoken language well, your child may struggle to comprehend what they read. This can lead to frustration, low confidence, and an overall aversion to reading.
• Hyperactivity and Attention Difficulties (ADHD): Children with visual processing issues may appear hyperactive or have difficulty focusing, leading to an ADHD diagnosis. However, the root cause might be related to their visual system rather than a traditional attention disorder.
• Below Grade-Level Reading Skills: If your child’s reading skills are not on par with their grade level, they may need extra help, such as being pulled out of class for additional support. This can be discouraging and affect their overall academic experience.
• School Anxiety: Struggling with reading and schoolwork can make a child anxious about attending school. They may experience physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches, further complicating their relationship with learning.

The Importance of Early Detection and Treatment

Visual processing issues can often be overlooked, especially when a child’s verbal skills are strong. However, identifying and addressing these issues early on is crucial for their academic success and overall well-being. A comprehensive pediatric eye exam, especially one that looks beyond just 20/20 vision, can uncover potential problems with how the eyes are working together and how the brain processes visual information.

At NeuroVisual Specialists of Florida, we specialize in diagnosing and treating visual processing issues that can hinder your child’s academic performance. Through personalized treatment plans, including those designed to address Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) in children, we can help your child improve their reading skills, reduce school-related anxiety, and achieve their full potential.

Don’t Let Visual Processing Issues Hold Your Child Back

If your child’s reading skills are lagging behind despite their strong verbal abilities, it’s time to consider whether a visual processing issue might be the cause. Don’t let this challenge hold your child back from academic success. Contact NeuroVisual Specialists of Florida today to schedule a comprehensive pediatric eye exam and take the first step towards helping your child thrive.