One common reason parents bring their children to South County Child Family Consultants for a neuropsychological evaluation is difficulties with slow processing speed. While many parents, teachers, and even kids do not identify slow processing speed as the problem, the manifestation of these difficulties often causes great stress at home and at school. Processing speed difficulties might be seen in children who tend to verbally respond slowly in conversations, have trouble keeping up in school, are slow to complete homework, or are the last ones out of the house in the morning to get ready for school.
Father helping his son with school homework closely so that he can give step-by-step instructions to help with his son’s slow processing speed.
Parents are usually the first observers of slow processing speed in children. They see their kids doing things slowly and sometimes not keeping up. Parents might find that they need to repeat themselves or give directions in a step-by-step manner. Kids with slow processing speed don’t have issues just in school, but often display these problems while playing with their peers or siblings, in conversations with others, or when getting ready to do something.
For example, in sports such as soccer, lacrosse, or basketball, kids with slow processing speed may find it difficult to keep up with the pace of constant movement, shifting positions, and transitioning from playing offense to defense.
Neuropsychological testing often reveals these struggles. Identifying that the root of these issues may be slow processing speed can help us to understand how many of these kids are extremely bright and knowledgeable. In fact, they often know everything about their world, but can’t display it effectively whether in the classroom or in everyday life. The kids who can’t show what they know are frustrated, often develop a low sense of self-esteem and feel as if they’re disappointing their parents and their teachers. Revealing these findings from the neuropsychological testing can explain their struggles. This realization can make a dramatic difference in the lives of children. It’s important for them to begin to see themselves as simply needing more time to complete tasks than their peers as opposed to seeing themselves as dumb or incapable.
Most kids and adults who display slow processing speeds within neuropsychological tests are likely to never be the fastest at completing tasks. However, there are a variety of methods that can actually help these kids get modestly faster at completing schoolwork, chores, and basic activities. Improving executive functioning skills, utilizing technology to support slow processing speed, and developing more effective study methods can modestly improve their speed of processing.
I have written about this topic numerous times at our learningworksforkids.com website as well as on my PsychologyToday blog. The following excerpt from my PsychologyToday blog will help parents to find a few additional activities and methods that can assist the children with slow processing speed.
“Fortunately, there are many activities in which slow processing speed can be an asset for kids. Helping children to identify those areas where they can interact with their peers and be rewarded for their thoughtful approach can be useful. These activities can also play a role in preparing for future jobs in which slow processing speed does not interfere with performance and may instead be an asset.”
Finally, it’s important to not create unrealistic expectations for children with slow processing speed. Instead, helping them to understand slow processing speed, providing them with strategies that can help them see modest improvements, and then providing them with accommodations that recognize their need for additional time are also important. Accommodations that recognize that it may take them longer are often helpful as well.
Parents helping their child do their homework since the child struggles due to their slow processing speed.
In my blog post, I describe seven activities for children with slow processing speed. Below are three of my favorites, but if you would like to learn more, click here to read the full article about the seven best activities for kids with slow processing speed.
- “Hang out with peers. Kids with slow processing speed are often very patient listeners. One of the most important things that kids with slow processing speed are able to do is take the time to listen to others. Becoming a conversationalist, thinking about things in depth, and sharing those ideas with others can be powerful in building relationships and connections with others.
- Become a creative artist. The making of art (except what the art teachers require at school) does not typically have a time limit. Patience, flexibility, creativity, and self-expression are all best done at one’s own pace.
- Choose video games that are in open worlds. Play the video game Minecraft in creative mode. This sandbox game allows players to explore a world, create what interests them, and revise when they choose. There are no time limits or need for speed (though some kids might like to play forever!).”
For those seeking additional support and resources on processing speed and related cognitive functions, South County Child and Family Consultants offers a wealth of information and expertise. By visiting our website, you can access a curated selection of books and materials, connect with knowledgeable specialists, and find tailored advice to help you or your child navigate the challenges associated with slower processing speed. Whether you’re looking for strategies to improve daily routines, educational accommodations, executive functioning, or to simply better understand your child’s unique learning profile, South County Child and Family Consultants is an invaluable resource for empowering individuals and families.
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