Understanding Visual Processing is a comprehensive, evidence-informed resource designed to support occupational therapy students and early-career therapists in understanding, assessing, and intervening in visual processing differences in children.
This resource provides a clear breakdown of how the brain interprets visual information, moving beyond visual acuity to explore visual perceptual skills, sensory responsiveness, and functional participation. It is structured to strengthen clinical reasoning and bridge the gap between theory and real-world practice.
How this resource supports therapists and students
Breaks down core visual processing skills, including visual discrimination, memory, figure-ground, spatial relations, visual closure, sequencing, and visual-motor integration.
Clearly explains visual hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity, with functional examples to support differential observation and interpretation.
Links visual processing differences to real-life impacts on learning, play, attention, regulation, handwriting, and classroom participation.
Includes real-world case examples to support pattern recognition and applied clinical reasoning.
Provides practical, evidence-informed intervention strategies for use in the clinic, school, and home environments.
Outlines commonly used standardised and informal assessment tools to support assessment selection, observation, and report writing.
Includes activity examples with grading options to support individualised intervention planning.
Incorporates reflection tools, case reflection templates, and clinical reasoning prompts to support student learning, supervision discussions, and professional development.
Visual Processing is designed as both a learning and practice resource, supporting therapists to feel more confident in identifying visual processing challenges, selecting appropriate interventions, and explaining visual needs clearly to families and educators.
