Dyslexia vs. Visual Processing Disorder: Key Differences Every Parent Should Know
When a child struggles with reading, writing, or other academic tasks, it can be hard for parents and teachers to know what's causing the difficulty. Two common issues that impact learning are dyslexia and visual processing disorder (VPD). Though they may seem similar, these two conditions are fundamentally different, and understanding the distinctions is key to providing the right support
It's important to raise awareness about visual processing disorders, as they can significantly impact a child's ability to read and learn. Recognizing the signs and distinguishing visual processing disorder from other conditions like dyslexia is crucial for providing appropriate interventions.
What Is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a neurological condition that affects the brain's ability to process language. It’s not related to vision problems, but rather to difficulties with phonemic awareness, or understanding and processing sounds in words. Children with dyslexia may struggle with:
Sounding out words
Recognizing common words quickly
Matching sounds to letters
Spelling and writing
Speaking fluently
Although dyslexia primarily impacts reading, it can also affect writing, spelling, and even oral communication.
What Is Visual Processing Disorder?
In contrast, visual processing disorder (VPD) refers to difficulties in interpreting and making sense of the visual information received through the eyes. It’s not a vision problem that can be corrected with glasses, but rather an issue with how the brain processes visual stimuli. Children with VPD might experience challenges such as:
Difficulty distinguishing between shapes, sizes, and colors
Trouble understanding written symbols, including those used in math
Poor spatial awareness or difficulty judging distances
Struggles with penmanship or art skills
How Are They Different?
Although both dyslexia and VPD affect academic performance, they involve different areas of the brain and different types of processing issues. Dyslexia is a language-based disorder, while VPD involves difficulties with interpreting visual information. It's important to note that these conditions can sometimes overlap, which makes it challenging for schools to diagnose them properly.
Why Awareness and Early Intervention Matter
Many visual processing disorders go unnoticed, especially in schools where academic difficulties might be attributed solely to dyslexia or another learning challenge. Without proper assessment, a child may continue to struggle, not only with reading and writing but with other skills like math and even basic coordination.
By raising awareness about visual processing disorders and advocating for comprehensive evaluations, we can ensure that children get the support they need to succeed in school and beyond.
Written by: Cristina Newell M.Ed.
