THE K

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SOME KIDS ARE NATURALLY FAST…

…Some kids aren’t. …

Processing speed…

• Can’t be understood in isolation

• Is related to language, memory, attention

• Has become increasingly important in our

fast-paced world.

• And involves…

1. Perceiving Information2. Processing It3. Formulating a Response

CAN BE ASSESSED IN SEVERAL WAYS

• Processing speed subtests of cognitive measures, cognitive efficiency scores

• Timed subtests of achievement measures, academic fluency scores

• Observation of response time/style

• BUT CAN BE HARD TO DISTINGUISH FROM

• ADHD – inattentive

• Receptive and expressive language disorders

• Auditory processing disorder

PROCESSING SPEED IS OFTEN RELATED TO OTHER ISSUES

• ADHD

• Learning Disabilities

• Transient Problems•Depression•Anxiety• Traumatic Stress•Brain Injury

HOW MIGHT THESE STUDENTS BE DESCRIBED IN CLASS?

• Unmotivated

• Sluggish

• Apathetic

• Daydreamers

• Oppositional

• Fidgety

• Disorganized

• Impulsive

HOW MIGHT A PARENT DESCRIBE THEM?

• Last to get ready to go anywhere• Doesn’t start/finish homework• Doesn’t answer when spoken to• Daydreams• Always a step behind• Can’t find shoes, homework• Frustrates whole family

PROCESSING SPEED CHALLENGES CAN INCLUDE…

• Processing spoken language less fluently

• Not writing quickly and accurately

• Slow reading fluency

• Information overload negatively impacting attention

• Can’t follow quickly given, complex directions

AND…

• Trouble with retrieval from long-term memory

• Can’t finish (anything) in allotted time period

• Peer problems, can’t keep up with fast-paced verbal and social media interactions

SOME KIDS COPE IN UNEXPECTED WAYS

• Rushing through work

• Acting impulsively

• Handing in incomplete work

• Insisting something/someone else is the problem• “You never told me…”• “I did finish it…”

INTERVENTION OR ACCOMMODATION?

Students with a slower processing speed will likely continue to process more slowly than their peers, however repeated practice and overlearning can improve specific skills. Teaching time management skills is also helpful.

Accommodating processing speed deficits can be done in a number of ways beyond the standard “hurry up!”

POSSIBLE ACCOMMODATIONS• Do provide extended time for work completion

• Provide an extra set of books and materials at home

• Use technology for efficiency, e.g. word processing rather than hand writing, email a teacher, automated reminders

• Provide examples of completed projects or assignments to help the student visualize what “done” looks like

• Reduce “clutter”, both verbal and visual. Simplify, simplify, simplify!

• Provide outlines, study guides, etc. instead of requiring note taking in class; make sure the student is actively engaged with completing the guide

THE EMOTIONAL ASPECTS OF SLOW PROCESSING

• Slow to pick up on social cues

• Hard to keep up with conversations

• Frustration of friends when “you are always late!”

• “We don’t want him in our group, he’ll never get his part done!”

• Potential for low self esteem, anxiety, and depression

AND EMOTIONAL ISSUES CAN IMPACT MANY EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING PROCESSING SPEED

Emotional difficulties can lower processing speed as well. The needs of children who have experienced trauma or brain injury become more complex. Not only are they traumatized but many of their processing and memory skills can be compromised, increasing their stress.

TAKE AWAYS ON PROCESSING SPEED

• It is a complex process of taking in, processing, and acting on information

• Has multiple components including auditory, visual, motor

• Has many “faces” in the classroom and at home

• Can result in, or be impacted by ,emotional difficulties

• Impacts peer and family relationships

• Repeated practice and overlearning may help

• Accommodations and self advocacy reduce stress and improve outcomes

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Bright Kids Who Can’t Keep UpHelp Your Child Overcome Slow Processing

Speed and Succeed in a Fast-Paced World

Braaten, and Willoughby

The Guilford Press, New York

2014

Nancy Driscoll, MA, LPA , Raleigh, NC