What does the term "visual processing disorder" refer to?

The term "visual processing disorder" specifically refers to how the brain interprets visual information rather than the clarity of vision itself. Individuals with this disorder may have normal vision but struggle to make sense of what they see. This can affect their ability to recognize objects, understand spatial relationships, and integrate visual input with other sensory information.

For example, a child with a visual processing disorder may have difficulty distinguishing between similar letters and numbers, impacting their reading and writing skills, even if their eyesight is fine. This underscores the importance of understanding that the disorder is fundamentally about processing rather than mere sensory perception.