Processing Speed
Imagine sitting in a meeting, and having your boss go through information so fast that as you take your notes, you are completely missing what you need to do.
The list is too long, there are too many details, and you are just not grasping the information fast enough.
This is what it is like for many of our students with processing speed challenges, and it can be so overwhelming.
What is Processing Speed?
Processing Speed is the time it takes to take in information, make sense of it, and then respond. students can struggle visually (letters, numbers, and pictures), auditory (language), and movement (body movement and writing).
It is biological, meaning there are known differences in the brain for example we see differences in white matter, synaptic space between neurons, myelination around axons. Why is this important? Our kids are not lazy or unmotivated.
What Do We See?
It’s important to know that wherever their processing is compromised, everything takes LONGER! And sometimes, this can be twice- three times longer than their peers. Here are some things we may see:
Students take longer to answer
Longer to make up their mind
Takes longer to complete an assignments
Longer to take notes (often missing items)
Longer to take a test
Unfinished classwork becomes homework
Poor time management
Struggle with fast paced information
Get discouraged often
Frustrated
We are unable to “speed” up Processing speed BUT we can create routines and put accommodations in place to help students.
When a student does the same thing everyday, they get faster because there is less processing involved.
Just beware though, the minute that routine changes like an afternoon schedule with a doctor’s appointment, the student is reprocessing that routine.
What Can We Do?
Create routines. This helps automate tasks.
Break down items into manageable parts- this helps especially with a student who easily gets overwhelmed. *this is different for every student. Some may need a writing assignment broken down by sentence or paragraph.
Students should get a copy of teacher’s notes or from a peer.
Using Audiobooks
Note taking tools like a smart pen or noteability on an ipad (they record)
Extra time on exams
Decreased work (like odds or evens for younger children)
Use of a calculator
No timed tests
