visualperceptual

Visualperceptual, often written as visual-perceptual or visual perception, refers to the cognitive processes by which the brain interprets visual input to identify objects, locations, and events in the world. It encompasses the recognition of form, color, depth, motion, and spatial relationships, and it is distinct from basic visual sensation (such as light sensitivity) and from higher-level cognitive functions like language.

The field draws on neuroscience and psychology; two well-established pathways frame much of the theory: the ventral 'what' pathway that supports object identification, and the dorsal 'where/how' pathway that supports spatial location and action. Visual-perceptual abilities also rely on attention, memory, and prior knowledge. Development usually progresses from infancy to childhood; they can be altered by brain injury, stroke, developmental disorders, or neurodegenerative disease.

Key components include object recognition, figure-ground discrimination, form constancy, orientation, depth and motion perception, color discrimination, and visuospatial planning. Disorders of visual perception may manifest as visual agnosia (difficulty recognizing objects despite intact vision), prosopagnosia, simultanagnosia, Balint syndrome, or optic ataxia, among others. In children, developmental visual-perceptual difficulties can impact learning and daily activities.

Assessment typically uses neuropsychological tests and visual-perception batteries such as the Visual Object and Space Perception Battery (VOSP) or the Test of Visual Perceptual Skills (TVPS). Interventions emphasize compensation, environmental modifications, and targeted training to improve specific skills, often within occupational therapy or educational settings. The term is used variably, with 'visual perception' or 'visual-perceptual skills' being common in clinical and research contexts.