Tracking Skills

Visual tracking skills refer to the ability to control eye movements using the oculomotor system, which is essentially vision and eye muscles working together. This means being able to use the eyes to focus on and follow a moving object, or alternating between two or more objects that are relevant to what is happening around you, for example a baby looking back and forth between two or more toys offered by a parent. Tracking skills can also refer to the ability to locate the source of a sound and as a child develops, is therefore vital to their safety, e.g. moving out of the way of danger, and also for being able to follow a group conversation.

Intrinsically linked to visual and auditory tracking skills, is hand-eye coordination and a person's ability to coordinate other motor movements with what they can see. As a child develops, this skill will become invaluable in helping them to interact with their environment and respond accordingly to what is happening around them.