Discover how visual processing challenges can hide beneath common school struggles and how early support and can make all the difference.
“She’s just lazy.”
“She never listens.”
“Maybe she needs glasses?”
These were the kinds of things Leanne kept hearing about her 8-year-old daughter, Isla. Homework was always a battle. Isla would avoid reading like the plague, and when she did sit down, she’d rub her eyes, squint, and often complain of headaches. Her teachers reported that she was bright but distracted. “She’s not paying attention,” they said. “She’s behind in writing and reading. Have you considered a tutor?”
But Leanne knew there was more going on. Something didn’t feel right
After finally seeing a psychologist, Isla was diagnosed with visual processing disorder a condition that affects how the brain interprets visual information. Her eyes worked fine, but her brain struggled to make sense of what she saw. Suddenly, it all clicked. Isla wasn’t lazy. She was exhausted.
Understanding Visual Processing Disorder?
Visual processing disorder (VPD) is often overlooked because it doesn’t impact a child’s eyesight it impacts how the brain processes what the eyes see. Children with VPD might:
- Mix up letters or numbers (especially b/d or 6/9)
- Struggle to track text while reading
- Lose their place easily or skip lines
- Have poor hand–eye coordination
- Avoid drawing, puzzles, or copying from the board
- Appear inattentive or frustrated with learning tasks
This can lead to serious misunderstandings. Adults may assume the child is being difficult or lacks motivation when in fact, their brain is working twice as hard just to keep up.
How Can Psychology Testing Help?
Comprehensive assessments can uncover the root cause of learning or behavioural difficulties. If VPD is suspected, the testing process helps identify the specific processing challenges whether it’s visual memory, sequencing, spatial awareness, or speed of processing. Testing isn’t just about getting a label its about developing a plan, recommendations for specialist referrals, if needed (e.g. occupational therapy, vision therapy), clarity around your child’s strengths and struggles, practical, real-world strategies to support your child at home and school.
5 Ways You Can Support Your Child
Here’s where you come in not with all the answers, but with understanding, structure, and support.
1. Don’t Assume It’s Behaviour
Step back and ask: Could there be something else going on? If reading is always a struggle, or your child complains of blurry letters or “losing their place,” consider an assessment to rule out VPD.
2. Get a Comprehensive Psychology Assessment
At Creating Change, we offer full cognitive and learning assessments that look deeper into how your child’s brain processes information including visual, auditory and working memory skills. Understanding the “why” behind the struggle changes everything.
3. Use Multi-Sensory Learning Tools
Children with VPD often benefit from hands-on, visual + verbal learning tools like coloured overlays, finger-tracking, audiobooks, or breaking tasks into small steps with visual cues.
4. Be Their Calm in the Chaos
When your child is melting down over homework, stay steady. Acknowledge their frustration. Say: “This feels hard, but I see how hard you’re trying. Let’s figure it out together.” Empathy helps reduce shame and builds connection.
5. Advocate at School
Once you have a clear understanding of your child’s learning profile, share it with their teacher. Ask for reasonable adjustments like extra time, printing worksheets in larger font, or allowing oral responses instead of written ones.
Your Child Isn’t Lazy. They’re Trying, and You’re Showing Up in All the Right Ways
Children with Visual Processing Disorder are not broken. They are bright, brave, and doing their best in a world not always built for how they see. With the right support, tools, and understanding, your child can thrive in school and beyond. And you won’t have to do it alone. At Creating Change Psychology, we walk alongside families navigating VPD, helping both children and parents build confidence, connection, and calm.
Looking for support? Book a session with one of our experienced child psychologists today. Together, we can create change that lasts. Our warm and experienced team of psychologists is here to walk alongside you whether you’re navigating the daily struggles of PVD, emotional outbursts and motivation challenges. Reach out today, and let’s take that first step together toward calm, connection, and hope. Call us on 02 8883 3185 or email us below.
Written by Clinical Psychologist Rebecca Deane – www.creatingchange.net.au
Psychology support in the Hills District, Western Sydney & Surrounds (including Rouse Hill, Bella Vista, Glenwood, Castle Hill, Kellyville, The Hawkesbury, Penrith Nepean, Blacktown, Epping, Ryde, Pennant Hills areas and surrounds)
