12/14/2025
Visual noise refers to the clutter, distractions, or overwhelming details in the environment that make it harder for someone to visually focus, process, or understand what they are looking at.
It’s like “background noise” for the eyes. We cover this here: https://www.theottoolbox.com/visual-noise/
💥 Examples of visual noise:
+Busy classroom walls covered with posters, artwork, and signs
+Cluttered workspaces with many scattered objects
+Toys or clothes piled up on the floor
+Highly patterned or colorful backgrounds behind text or objects
+Digital screens with flashing ads, pop-ups, or too much text
💡 Why it matters:
+For many children (especially those with sensory processing challenges, ADHD, or autism), visual noise can:
+Make it hard to focus or filter important details
+Increase frustration or fatigue
+Reduce task performance
+Lead to overstimulation or avoidance
✅ How OTs help reduce visual noise:
+Simplify environments (declutter, organize)
+Use visual boundaries (trays, mats, bins)
+Offer clean, simple backgrounds for tasks
+Teach children strategies to manage distractions
More strategies and resources on visual noise: https://www.theottoolbox.com/visual-noise/
