Family Learning Center

By Dr. Pamela Cooper, M.A., MBA, Ph.D.
Educational Diagnostician
drpamelacooper1@gmail.com

Processing speed is the brain takes in visual, auditory or movement information, makes sense of it and responding. Processing speed is not a measure of intelligence but the ability to perform a task or solve problems within a time limit.

Have you noticed that your child takes longer than others to respond to requests to remember or to complete tasks? The child is unable to follow multi-step directions, daydreams, takes a long time to get out the door for school, struggles to finish homework despite understanding the material. In school, the child works slowly, loses belongings, misses instructions, or falls behind on assignments. They may also struggle with fluency (processing information smoothly) or working memory (holding and using information in the moment).

Diagnosis and Assessment
Slow processing speed can be evaluated through the school’s child study team or by referral to a specialist. A formal evaluation by a psychologist, learning consultant or other professional measures cognitive, academic, and executive functioning.

Teaching Strategies:

• Allowing extra time to complete work and respond.
• Speak slowly, use repetition, check for understanding, and jointly develop a cueing system.
• Use visuals, multisensory instruction, text-to-speech apps, and shortening assignments.
• Provide class notes or pre-introduction of upcoming lessons.
• Enable retesting, extended deadlines and modified grading.
• Consulting school resources such as learning consultant, psychologist, nurse, or school counselors.

Conditions associated with slow processing speed:

• Auditory processing: Struggles distinguishing sounds and verbal information.
• Verbal comprehension: understanding spoken language.

• Spatial reasoning: the cognitive ability to visualize, manipulate, and understand the relationships between objects in a three-dimensional space. 
• Intellectual function: general mental ability that includes reasoning, planning, problem solving, abstract thinking, comprehending complex ideas, learning quickly, and learning from experience. 

Home Strategies:

• Establishing clear routines and visual schedules.
• Breaking tasks into smaller steps.
• Using repetition to build automaticity.
• Use technology that increases fluency and reading speed.
• Providing patience, support, and positive reinforcement.

Educational Supports
The child may qualify for an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Intervention and Referral Service Plan (I&RS) or a Section 504 plan. These legally protected support plans can provide accommodation such as modified assignments, minimized visual and auditory distractions, multisensory instruction, or accommodations.

Encouragement and Self-Esteem
The child living with slow processing speed may feel discouraged or frustrated when struggling to keep pace with peers. Celebrate their effort, praise specific accomplishments, and encourage participation in activities that highlight their interest and strengths.

Helping the child living with slow processing speed is possible when using strategies in an environment that provides positive encouragement, understanding, and support. Every child process information at their own pace. Celebrate the child’s individuality.