Slow Processing Speed

Slow processing speed is a cognitive challenge that can affect people in many areas of life: 

• Taking longer to complete tasks

  People with slow processing speed may take longer to complete tasks, whether they're everyday or challenging. This can include reading, math, or physical tasks like writing. 
• Difficulty following instructions

  People with slow processing speed may need more time to process instructions, especially if they're complex or given quickly. 
• Trouble keeping up in conversations

  People with slow processing speed may take longer to process what someone has said and formulate a response. They may also miss nuances in conversation. 
Getting overwhelmed by too much information
People with slow processing speed may get overwhelmed by too much information at once. 
Needing to read information repeatedly
People with slow processing speed may need to read information more than once to understand it. 
Trouble with time perception
People with slow processing speed may have trouble with time perception, thinking they have enough time to complete a task when they're actually almost out of time. 

Slow processing speed can be associated with:

• Physical illness or injury, such as low thyroid, epilepsy, or traumatic brain injury 
• Lack of adequate sleep 
• Reaction to medications 

Slow processing speed can be misunderstood as laziness, a lack of intelligence, or inattentiveness. However, it can also come with gifts, such as greater potential for creativity and in-depth analysis. 

A low processing speed can significantly impact math fluency, meaning a person with slow processing may struggle to quickly recall basic math facts or perform calculations efficiently, even if they understand the concepts, leading to difficulties with timed math tests and overall math performance, despite potentially having the knowledge to solve problems; this can often result in frustration and feelings of inadequacy in math due to the emphasis on speed in many classrooms. 

Key points about low processing speed and math fluency: 

• Difficulty with timed tests:

  Students with slow processing speed may struggle to complete math problems within the allotted time, even if they know the answers, leading to lower scores and anxiety around timed assessments. 
• Challenges with multi-step problems:

  As math problems become more complex, requiring multiple steps to solve, the increased processing demands can further exacerbate difficulties for individuals with slow processing speed. 
• Impact on fact recall:

  While someone with slow processing might know basic math facts, retrieving them quickly under pressure can be challenging, hindering fluency in calculations. 
• Working memory limitations:

  Slow processing speed can also affect working memory, which is crucial for holding information in mind while solving math problems, leading to errors or difficulty with complex calculations. 

How to support students with slow processing speed in math: 

• Accommodations:

  Provide extra time for completing assignments, use calculators for complex calculations, and allow for breaks during timed tests. 
• Focus on understanding:

  Emphasize conceptual understanding of math concepts rather than just memorizing facts, allowing students to develop strategies for solving problems even if they can't recall answers instantly. 
• Visual aids and manipulatives:

  Utilize visual representations and hands-on materials to support understanding and problem-solving. 
• Chunking information:

  Break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable steps to reduce cognitive load. 
• Positive reinforcement:

  Provide frequent praise and encouragement to build confidence and motivation. 

  
  

  Slow processing speed can have many causes, including:

  • Brain differences: Some researchers believe that slow processing speed is related to differences in the brain, such as the thickness of myelin, the number of neurotransmitters, or the organization of neural networks. 
  • Learning disabilities: Slow processing speed often co-occurs with learning disabilities like ADHD or dyslexia. 
  • Emotional challenges: Slow processing speed can be a result of depression or anxiety, or a focus on unrelated issues as a result of emotional struggles. 
  • Medications: Certain medications may cause slow processing. 
  Aging: Slowed information processing affects almost every aging adult to some degree. 
  Vascular risk factors: Diabetes, smoking, and high blood pressure can wear away at the blood vessels feeding the brain's white matter. 
  Head trauma: Head trauma, including concussions, may play a role. 
  Lack of sleep: Lack of sleep can cause slow processing speed. 
  Illness: Slow processing speed could be a sign and result of an illness, like Alzheimer's. 

  Slow processing speed can affect learning and problem-solving, but it doesn't mean someone has low intelligence. 

  If you have concerns about how you process information, you should check in with your medical provider.