Reading Help: Signs Your Child Is Struggling with Visual Processing

When students need reading help, it’s sometimes because an underlying issue is the culprit. Last month, we looked at visual processing—and how challenges with this cognitive skill can result in difficulties in reading and other subjects. This month, we’ll look at a few common signs that a learner is struggling with this issue.  

First of all, a quick recap: every single second, our brains receive a tremendous amount of information—sights, sounds, smells, sensations, and more. With different cognitive skills, we organize, understand, and use that information.

What we see (visual input) is one form of information. In order to analyze, sort, and use that visual information, we subconsciously rely on our visual processing skills. We use this ability in countless different ways—to identify faces, to visualize ideas, and to read.

When learners need reading help, their visual abilities may be the source of any struggles. But how can you tell? 

Let’s review common symptoms of visual disorders, and what you can do to help.

Understanding Visual Processing Challenges

Common Symptoms Your Child is Struggling

It can be hard to tell if your child is struggling to process visual data. To make it more challenging, many people often develop coping mechanisms starting at a very young age.

If your child needs reading help, and you’re wondering if visual processing issues could be at the root of their difficulties, here are a few additional symptoms to watch out for:

• Difficulty distinguishing between similar-looking objects, letters, or symbols
• Struggles with fine motor skills, including printing and handwriting
• Frequently loses their place when reading—skips lines or repeats lines
• Frustrated or uninterested in puzzles or other visually challenging activities
• Difficulty gauging distances, heights, or how far apart two objects are
• Difficulty with math or spelling
• Struggles to recognize familiar faces and/or objects in photographs and pictures

If your learner displays any of these signs, it’s worth exploring underlying issues in further detail.

Support with Visual Processing: Reading Help and More

Identifying potential symptoms is just the first step. Finding out what’s happening with your learner can take time. Here’s where to start:

• Document.
  Having clear, specific details can be helpful to getting your learner the support they need. Keep a list of any symptoms you notice. Be as specific as possible—you may even want to take note of when these issues occur, to see if there are recurring themes.
• Let their teacher know.
  Your child’s teacher can help you to understand the extent of the problem. You’ll want to ask them if these issues are impairing their learning or social development. Their teacher can also let you know if they’ve noticed any additional symptoms, too.
• Speak to the professionals.
  It’s important to eliminate underlying issues like near-sightedness. Your child’s doctor can help with this, or can refer you to other specialists. If or when vision problems are eliminated, consult with your child’s doctor and school to see what additional comprehension tests can be taken. 
• Be patient.
  Getting to the root of reading challenges and processing disorders can be time-consuming and frustrating. Celebrate small victories and practice as much patience as possible. Remember: your child is depending on you to get the support they need.

Once you know what you’re dealing with, it can be easier to set up the right types of support, including reading help, for your child.

One-on-One Reading Help for Your Learner

At LearningRx, we’re here to support learners of all ages. From reading help to math programs and other one-on-one training, we make it easier for students to tap into their true potential.  

We take a different approach for every single student. That way, we can always tailor our training programs based on a learner’s needs, skills, and abilities. If a student is struggling with visual processing skills, we can help, too!

Get hands-on reading help with LearningRx. To speak to us about your child’s needs, contact 866-BRAIN-01, or get in touch online.