Dyslexia and Visual Processing Issues

In recent months the topic of vision problems and their relation to dyslexia has surfaced time and time again. Most experts believe that dyslexia is a language-based disorder. While vision problems can interfere with the process of learning, studies have shown that vision problems are not the cause of primary dyslexia or learning disabilities. Although unrelated to one another, it is important to keep in mind that it is always possible for a child to have both issues. 

As stated on Understood.org, "Dyslexia and issues with visual perception and processing might seem like they’d go hand in hand. They are very different issues, however. Dyslexia involves trouble with processing language. It causes difficulty with reading, writing and other skills.

Visual processing issues involve trouble with processing information the eyes see. So, if a child with visual processing issues is reading, he may have trouble processing the words he sees on a page. That may be why some people confuse visual processing issues and dyslexia."

The infographic from the Southport CoLab and FCRR helps provide a snapshot of this topic. To learn more about the differences between dyslexia and visual problems be sure to also click on the link here to visit Understood's chart to see a side by side comparison of the similarities and differences between dyslexia and visual processing issues.

Source: Southport CoLab , FCRR , Understood