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Processing speed is how quickly your brain can think and work through information. For example, when you’re reading a story or doing a math problem, processing speed determines how fast you read the words or solve the problem. It’s important because it helps you make quick decisions. Just like a computer that needs to run fast to do tasks quickly, your brain needs to process information quickly to help you learn and solve problems efficiently.
Processing speed affects various aspects of daily life. Here are a few examples:
How quickly you can grasp new concepts or information.
How fast you can make decisions when faced with choices or problems.
How fast you can respond, like when catching a ball.
How quickly you can understand what someone is saying.
How quickly you can read and understand a passage or a book.
How fast you can write down your thoughts or ideas.
How fast you can solve math problems in your head or on paper.
Research shows that developing processing speed skills involves a combination of strategies and practices that can help children's brains become more efficient. Here are some tips:
Practice timed tasks and other cognitive/executive functioning skills:
Encourage children to do activities that challenge the brain's processing speed, such as completing puzzles, crosswords, or timed activities.
Have them practice and strengthen executive function skills, such as working memory, organization, planning, and controlling impulses, as it can improve overall cognitive performance, including processing speed. See more information here.
Chart progress and get feedback:
Chart progress with timed activities and regularly give feedback on work for areas for improvement.
Adjust strategies and techniques as needed.
Teach strategies to become more efficient:
Teach effective strategies to complete tasks and activities more quickly.
Examples of strategies include chunking information and using mnemonic devices.
Use technology responsibly:
Some research shows that playing video games or other computer-based "brain games" can help make slow thinking a bit faster.
It's recommended that these games and apps be used in a targeted and intentional way (Psychology Today). Managing and balancing screen time with other enriching activities is important. For information on screen time guidelines and tips, please click here.
Exercise:
Regular physical activity, like brisk walking or playing sports, can improve brain function and processing speed.
Encourage children to aim for 30 minutes of activity most days.
Some common signs that someone may be struggling with the rate at which they can process information and complete tasks are:
Taking longer than typical to answer questions or react to instructions.
Needing more time to complete assignments or activities compared to others.
Struggling to keep up with conversations, lessons, or group activities.
Making more mistakes when working quickly or under time pressure.
Getting overwhelmed or finding it hard to juggle multiple tasks or switch between tasks efficiently.
Difficulties with handwriting, typing, or organizing written work within a given timeframe.
Frequently forgetting instructions, steps in a process, or details.
Displaying frustration or anxiety when faced with tasks that require quick thinking or fast completion.
Avoiding tasks or activities that need quick responses or multitasking.
For those who have slower processing speed, these strategies can help:
Give extra time/less work:
Provide extra time to process and respond to information or reduce the amount of work that needs to be done during timed tasks.
This might mean giving more time to complete assignments or tests, later deadlines for projects, or fewer items on tests and assignments.
Use external aids:
Teach and encourage use of tools like planners, calendars, reminders, checklists, outlines, and mind maps to help organize information and tasks and manage time efficiently.
Develop routines:
Establish consistent routines and habits for daily tasks.
Routines can help reduce decision-making and streamline processes.
Prioritize tasks:
Help children identify and prioritize tasks based on importance and deadlines.
Have them focus on the most important tasks first.
Break tasks into smaller steps:
Have children divide larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
Encourage them to focus on completing one step at a time to reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.
Reduce distractions:
Help children minimize distractions when working on tasks that require focus to complete work quickly.
Have them find a quiet space or use noise-canceling headphones, if necessary.
Keep organized:
Encourage children to keep workspaces organized to reduce mental clutter and improve focus.
Advocate:
Encourage children to communicate with teachers and others about processing speed challenges.
Have them ask for help when needed and request support that is helpful.
Processing Speed Handout
For more information about processing speed, please check out the following links:
Slow processing speed fact sheet
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