Triveni Goswami Vernal
Registered Special Educator A64010

Stims refer to self-stimulatory behaviour. The previous blog provided an overview of Visual Stimming and the forms it can take when there is hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to visual stimuli. In today’s blog, we will look at how Visual Processing activities may be beneficial for individuals who stim visually.

Visual Processing refers to the process through which the brain interprets the incoming visual stimuli and assigns meaning to it. Here, the terms Visual Processing and Visual Perception are being used interchangeably.  Depending on what the challenges faced by the individual on the Autism spectrum are, or the nature of the visual stims, for more focused intervention, the services of an Occupational Therapist or a Vision Therapist, can be taken.

Vision Therapy attempts to “enhance visual skills-eye-tracking, focusing, convergence, eye-hand coordination, visual processing speed and more” (https://www.optometrists.org/vision-therapy/guide-to-vision-therapy/what-is-vision-therapy/), and hence, its best done under the guidance of a trained vision therapist.

For others, there are several Visual Processing /Perception activities that can be done at home, such as,

1) Jigsaw Puzzles: One can play Jigsaw Puzzles online (https://www.roomrecess.com/pages/JigsawPuzzles.html, https://www.jigsawexplorer.com/ ) or in person. Depending on the child’s dexterity level, one can begin using Jigsaw puzzles with a frame and with a peg, and then move to one without a frame and without a peg (to hold the piece). The number of pieces can also be increased over time.
2) Word Search Puzzles: They are a good activity for visual scanning and visual tracking. One can make a Word Search puzzle based on the child’s interest, or use any that are available online (eg., https://thewordsearch.com/cat/kids-puzzles/).
3) Maze: Helps in eye hand coordination and visual tracking (https://www.myhomeschoolmath.com/maze.html , https://www.puzzles-to-print.com/printable-mazes/index.shtml).

4) Join the dots: One can draw them for the child, or take print outs or use websites such as this https://www.roomrecess.com/games/ConnectTheDots/play.html

5) Lacing: This activity helps in Eye-hand coordination and Visual tracking (https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/lacing-activities/).
6) I Spy: This activity aids Visual Scanning and Visual Tracking (https://raisingchildren.net.au/preschoolers/play-learning/low-cost-play-ideas/i-spy-turn-taking-and-talking-activity-for-children-3-6-years). You can make it as complex as you want, depending on what the child knows. For example, I can see an object that is magenta and is round (pre-requisite here is colour and shape, that the child already knows).
7) Colour by Numbers: Good activity for Visual Tracking. Pre-requisite skills are knowledge of numbers and colours.
8) Find the Differences: Good activity for Visual Scanning and Tracking.
( Eg., https://www.safekidgames.com/spot-the-difference/ )
9) Block Design: Good activity to help the child understand 2D to 2D matching,  3D to 2D or vice versa (https://www.theottoolbox.com/fine-motor-development-with-building-blocks/). You can provide a design with blocks on a card to the child. And the child has to assemble the blocks to match it with the image on the card. One can also do something similar with Beads and threading of the beads in the pattern of the design provided. Later on, this can be taken a step further with the blocks arranged in a particular design and the child having to create a 2D version on paper.
Visual Processing activities should be a part of work /activity, with the child, every day, at home. The more they practice, the better it is for the child, in the long run.
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Author Triveni Goswami Vernal

Triveni Goswami Vernal is an Autism advocate, registered Special Educator (CRR A64010) and an Independent Researcher. Her areas of interest include Autism, Disability Rights, Gender, Art and Northeast studies. She is a mum to an 12 year old on the Autism Spectrum.

Artwork”Rainbow”
Acrylic Painting on Canvas
Artist Kabir Vernal