Visual Memory

 This test involves matching the exact features of two forms when one of the forms is among similar forms in size, shape or orientation. These skills are important in discriminating upper and lower case letters and preventing reversal of letters and numbers. The perception of orientation helps a child understand the differences from b and d, p and q, and 6 and 9 for example. Orientation relates closely to the perception of laterality and directionality discussed earlier. Problems with visual discrimination can cause reading, writing, and spelling problems as letters, numbers, and words would be difficult to differentiate. 

Your eyes leads and guides your motor system including in the writing process.  If your eyes are jumping around or not able to consistently make smooth horizontal movements, when your child is writing uphill, he may be actually writing along the line he sees.  Proper pencil grip, letter formation, being able to print consistent sizing of letters, legible print are all signs of proper fine motor control in this area.  Unfortunately in schools today, this is taught or corrected less and less.

 A deficit in this area is defined as the inability to correctly reprocess symbols and/or sequences of symbols seen previously. Words with similar sequences can cause confusion. Reading difficulties may relate to poor ability to visualize, with word calling, yet long-term memory problems may hinder comprehension. Poor visual sequential memory could contribute to spelling errors and difficulty remembering spoken instruction that extend beyond a short phrase.