Does your child still reverse letters, numbers or words? It could be a visual form constancy problem.
Form constancy is necessary to understand that letters, words and numbers remain the same whether in a book, newspaper, a sign or in a different font or text.
Children who have problems with form constancy may frequently reverse letters and/or numbers, causing reading or math difficulties.
What is visual information processing?
Visual information processing (VIP), also known as the visual perceptual skills, are the skills necessary for processing visual information, such as when reading, using a computer, playing sports, understanding facial cues, and more.
Difficulties with VIP are often found among students reading and learning disabilities, dyslexia and ADHD.
What is visual form constancy?
Visual form constancy is a specific visual perceptual skill that allows a child to understand that a shape, form or object stays the same even when it changes its position, size, or is in a different environment.
For example, when you see the letter ‘A,’ it’s always the letter ‘A’ whether in a word, bigger text or different font.
Schedule an evaluation with a vision therapy eye doctor who can help improve any visual problems your child may have.
SEE RELATED: Visual Sequential Memory
Signs of poor visual form constancy
Your child might have trouble with visual form constancy if they exhibit the following visual processing symptoms:
- Reading or math difficulties
- Struggles to find missing items quickly
- Struggles to recognize objects when placed in a new location
- Struggles to always recognize familiar objects or places in photographs
- Has trouble using building blocks or putting together a puzzle based on a picture
- Has trouble judging heights and distances
- Has trouble reading unusual fonts
If you suspect a problem in your child’s vision, contact an eye doctor near you to have your child’s vision evaluated.
How vision therapy can help
Vision therapy can improve visual form constancy skills through eye exercises that help retrain the eyes and brain to work together.
These exercises will help your child to more effectively remember words and improve spelling and number recognition.
LEARN MORE: Guide to Vision and Learning Difficulties
Schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near you who can diagnose and treat any vision problems your child may have.
