Advice and resources : Visual (sight) system

Overview

If the brain does not process visual sensation accurately then we may be described as over responsive or under-responsive to visual sensation and this will affect our behaviour. We may need more or less visuals in our environment in order to help us focus on a task.

Over responsive visual (sight) system

A child with an over responsive visual or sight system might:

• Become more erratic in a busier, more visually stimulating environment
• Be visually distracted by others
• Notice everything that’s happening in the room
• Keep their head and eyes facing downwards most of the time
• Startle at visual input
• Show a sensitivity to light
• Be irritated by bright lights
• Like to wear sunglasses or a peaked cap

Under responsive visual (sight) system

A child with an under responsive visual system might:

• Not notice details in pictures
• Show a lack of attention to the environment or people
• Often miss visual cues
• Appear unkempt or lack the ability to present themselves smartly

How you can help with an over responsive visual system

There are a number of ways you can help a child that has an over responsive visual system: 

• Let your child carry out activities in a less busy/visually stimulating environment at intervals throughout the day, this might mean creating a suitable environment in their classroom such as a corner separated by dividers
• Allow them to wear sunglasses
• Keep lighting dim
• In the classroom, let them sit facing a blank wall when working at a desk and directly in front of the teacher or board when listening to class discussions

How you can help with an under responsive visual system

There are a number of ways you can help a child that has an under responsive visual system:

• Play games such as ‘I spy’, ‘Where’s Wally’, ‘Kim’s game’, puzzle books and word searches
• Encourage them to read using a ruler under the line of text
• Use lined paper for writing
• Make sure your child’s eyes are regularly tested by an optician