Visual Perception

By Meghann Plessner, MS, OTR/L

Visual Perception is a broad term used to describe what our eyes see and how our brain processes what we see. Several categories fall under the umbrella of Visual Perception. As we begin to explore these and how this applies to children, remember every child is different, and a medical professional can help you find the right options should your child need assistance. 

Types of Visual Perception:

Visual Discrimination; This is how we categorize, sort, and match items. 

Figure-Ground; This is the ability to find a specific object when it is hidden amongst other items. 

Form Constancy; This is the ability to recognize what an object is, even if it is bigger/smaller, in a different environment, or seen from a different angle

Visual Closure; An ability to recognize an object even if it is partially hidden 

Visual Memor; The ability to remember or recall items, numbers, letters, or objects that have been previously seen

Visual Sequencing; This is the ability to remember details in the correct order

Visual-Spatial Awareness; The ability to determine direction, reversals, and identify left from right on your own body

Children need to be challenged to be able to improve their visual Perception. While most of these challenges will come through everyday life, there are ways you can fold in fun activities to ensure they are maximizing the opportunity to grow. 

1. Engage in movement activities. For example, when your child is at the playground, they learn about their depth perception, tracking visual movements, spatial awareness, and visual focus on what they and their peers are doing.

2. Change their go-to toy section. When children are challenged with unfamiliar games or activities, they are growing active and problem-solving minds. 

3. Limit the amount of screen time your child has. Tablets can be used for the occasional educational game; however, kids are more challenged with physical toys and activities. 

Activities to increase visual perception skills:

●Books, including Where’s Waldo?, Can You Find Me?, I Spy, or Hidden Pictures. Ask your child to find specific objects. 

●Puzzles: start with simple matching inset puzzles or shape sorters and increase to jigsaw puzzles

●Completing word searches or word finds

●Memory/Concentration games, Spot It, Perfection

●Connect Four

●Oreo Matchin Middles Game

●Encourage your child to build with cubes, connecting blocks, or magnetic tiles and imitate the shapes or structures you create. Some standard designs include a wall, train, stairs, bridge.

●Sorting objects by color or shape. You can place a variety of toys in several different colors on the floor. Ask your child to find all of the red toys.

●Copy patterns using Legos, Froot Loops, blocks, magnetic tiles, pegs. Start with 4-5 types of Legos and build a pattern through specific colors. Give your child the same number of Legos and ask them to make the same pattern that you did.

●Finish my drawing: You can draw half of a familiar object (flower, shape, house, etc.) and ask your child to complete the rest of the picture.

●What’s in the bag? Place 5-6 small everyday objects into a backpack or canvas grocery bag. Without looking, have your child find the item requested just by feel (small Lego, crayon, spoon, block, Hot Wheels Car, etc.)

How do you know if your child is having Visual Perception issues? If you answer yes to any of these, you should speak with a professional. 

Does your child have difficulty completing puzzles?

Does your child have trouble recognizing letters or numbers?

Does your child have struggle to write neatly on paper?

Does your child become frustrated that they cannot cut along the lines of a worksheet?

Does your child have trouble finding a familiar toy in their bedroom?

Does your child have difficulty putting their shoes on the correct foot or aligning buttons on their clothes?

Professionals may differ on the terms they use when discussing visual Perception. If you have concerns regarding your child’s vision or visual perception skills, please contact your pediatrician, developmental optometrist or occupational therapist. 

References:

Ayres, A.J. & Robbins, J., (2005). Sensory integration and the child: understanding hidden sensory challenges. Los Angeles, CA: Western Psychological Services

Case-Smith, J. & O’Brien, J.C., (2010). Occupational therapy for children, sixth edition. Maryland Heights, MI: Mosby Elsevier