Speed of Processing is the ability to perform cognitive tasks fluently (quickly and accurately) and automatically, especially when under pressure to maintain focused attention and concentration.
Interacting with others can also be tricky. People with slow processing speed may stand silently for a few seconds before responding to someone. Or they might take a long time to explain something.
Slow processing speed has nothing to do with how smart people are — just how quickly they take in and use information. Still, having this challenge can create a lot of anxiety and take a toll on self-esteem.
Educational Implications:
difficulty finishing tests and assignments on time
slow to make decisions
trouble keeping the information in mind long enough to use it
difficulty following multi-step directions
struggle to taking notes
trouble keeping up with conversations
difficulty learning daily routines and transitions
increased anxiety
Educational Supports:
starting routines early to avoid rushing and feeling anxious
allowing more time for assignments and tests
provide most critical information first
repeated practice to build fluency
extended time for assignments and tests
reduce the quantity of work in favor of quality of work ie. do only odd/even
increase “wait” time after questions are asked
choral response & repeated reading
allow the student to listen to the teacher while you (or a peer) take notes for the student to copy later or utilize cloze procedure for notes during lectures.
speed drills (RAN) with letters, numbers, math facts, or sign words
provide short, simple directions using familiar language
provide one direction at a time and allow the student to process the information you have given before giving more details.
provide opportunities to review and practice skills to increase rate and fluency
break down steps into chunks that the student can follow.
include activities that require active engagement ("hands-on”) with materials to demonstrate mastery of content
limit copying activities
ask the student to summarize lessons to check for understanding
teach students to skim or scan for key information when reading (titles, headings, bold words, etc.)
audiobooks