Processing Speed
Processing speed is the pace at which you take in information, make sense of it, and begin to respond. This information can be visual, like letters and numbers. It can also be auditory, like spoken language.
Some people have faster processing speed than others. It has nothing to do with how smart someone is—just how fast they take in and use information. A student child with slow processing speed may find it difficult to follow multistep instructions. Having slow processing speed makes it hard to digest all that information quickly enough to do what was asked.
Slow processing speed can make it tough to learn at all ages. It can make it harder for young kids to master the basics of reading, writing, and counting. And it impacts older kids’ ability to do tasks quickly and accurately.
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Resources
Information and podcast and strategies for supporting for students with slow processing speed
What is Slow processing speed?
In this video, Ellen Braaten, PhD, Director of the Learning and Emotional Assessment Program at Mass General, explains what slow processing speed is and how it affects kids
What is slow processing speed and how can it affect students?
Students who experience difficulties with processing speed are often not "found out" for a while as they have learned to overcome their challenges, either consciously or subconsciously. However, as students progress through school and material becomes increasingly complex and sizeable.
Slow Processing Speed and Anxiety
Processing speed, or how quickly we take in information, plays an important role in our daily lives and for kids in school. Some kids may have trouble keeping up with their teacher. They begin to fall further behind and they can become anxious.
Processing Speed: Helping Your Child Keep Up
Kids with slow processing speed can have trouble keeping up in class, participating in discussions, and staying focused. Join Ellen Braaten, PhD, to learn about ways to support your child with slow processing speed this semester.