Symbol Recognition

The Symbol Recognition cognitive function is responsible for visually recognising and remembering symbols and words.

Symbol Recognition is Involved in:

visually recognising and remembering symbols and words

reading speed and accuracy

spelling accurately and visually recognising spelling errors

remembering visual symbol patterns such as math formulae and chemical equations

Signs of a Difficulty in this Cognitive Funtion

struggle learning sight words resulting in errors in reading words and slow reading speed

difficulty in recognising and reading words correctly even if the same word has been seen and read multiple times

an impact on the visual aspect of the reading process

challenges in learning spelling patterns, so spelling is poor

difficulty in visually remembering math formulae and chemical equations as all learning and retention of visual symbol patterns is impacted

low word recognition level (words that one can see and say immediately)

difficulty in editing and correcting errors in written work

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Our Brain's Camera

We can think of this cognitive function as a camera in our brain. In the left hemisphere, it helps us remember symbols like letters and numbers (see Object Recognition for the right hemisphere’s parallel function). Imagine seeing a new word for the first time: your mental camera captures its details, creating a template. When you see the word again, your brain looks for that template.

How quickly can you find the match? How clear was the template? Did it capture every detail, the shape, and order of the letters? This is your Symbol Recognition at work.

Does learning the new word take longer for you or your child? Does it need multiple repetitions? Is the mental picture unclear, with incorrect or misplaced letters? Do you have to sound out the word again?

Essential in Skills Such As:

Spelling

Remembering mathematical and scientific formulae

Reading

Our Solutions: