Many brain injured patients have difficulty with scanning skills. This can be due to many problems such as partial loss of vision, left neglect or visual-spatial deficits. Often, but not exclusively, these problems are associated with an injury to the right side of the brain.
One way to practice scanning skills is by using hidden pictures puzzles. Many people are familiar with hidden pictures puzzles from children’s magazines. They involve a larger picture having many smaller items hidden within it. The goal is to locate the smaller hidden items. Highlights magazine has a number of free hidden pictures puzzles that can be printed from their online website:
Although this is a fun way to practice scanning skills, it can be quite difficult and some individuals may need help from loved ones to work on these puzzles.
Learn about brain injury treatment services at the Transitional Learning Center: tlcrehab.org