Understood holds this weekly Twitter chat that aims to keep the momentum going and raise awareness of learning and attention issues. Follow along with hashtag #LDCHAT and follow users @understoodchats & @understoodorg. Experts will be available to answer your questions and concerns and share resources from Understood.org.
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Welcome to today's #LDchat! This is Dan with the Understood team. We're joined today by psychologist and Understood expert @ellenbraaten, Ph.D., to discuss slow processing speed.
Edie, Washington DC. I love working with teachers and parents of teens and young adults with ADHD. Many of my kids have reading issues too.
Oops, I forgot #LDchat
#ldchat A1 Most obvious sign is an inability to complete tasks in a certain time period. The problems can be visual, verbal, motor, or a combination. Most tasks require some combination of these skills but some kids can be weaker in some than in others.
#ldchat A1 Problems completing homework, understanding & answering questions, following directions, & understanding social nuances are common. In older kids, not finishing tests on time, poor time management, and trouble keeping up with class discussions are common.
Slow processing speed can affect kids in the classroom, at home and during activities like sports. Review some common trouble spots. #LDchathttps://t.co/OUlotrFVDc
As a an academic therapist and former teacher, vocabulary and speech are a component (teens and young adults). If you don't know what words mean, sounding out does little. #LDchat
#ldchat A2 Problems with PS affect many areas of daily life. Kids constantly struggle to keep up with things like homework, the pace of social relationships. Constantly feeling like you’re a step behind can make you feel anxious.
A2: Especially in the classroom, the fear of being called on when not prepared. Why IEPs need to address this - e.g. allow child to raise hand when ready vs. being called on cold. #ldchat
#ldchat A2 My research shows that kids with anxiety have higher rates of Slow Processing Speed (SPS) and we don’t know if the anxiety causes SPS or if the SPS causes anxiety. It’s probably some of both.
#LDchat Q2: the world around them spins too fast for them. Falling behind peers in finishing work that would make them feel ‘stupid’. Same for feeling shamed for not doing what is expected in a ‘timely’ manner.
Read this mom's story about the "aha" moment her daughter with slow processing speed had, and how she learned to manage her emotions. #LDchathttps://t.co/WnDWmzx0q8
Older students with ADHD and learning disability want to fade in with"normal kids." They may self-ostracize. Anger and depression often can result , #LDchat
A2 Students with slower processing speed tend to be more prone to anxiety. They have to take more time to complete task that may seem simple to others. Students like this also tend to take longer to answer questions when called upon by the teacher. #LDchat#edfb4338
#ldchat A3 School accommodations: extra time on tests, help with note-taking, breaking assignments into chunks, classroom routines, & appropriate use of technology are on the top of my list along with TEACHING KIDS HOW TO TELL TIME
#ldchat A3 Home tips: Teach the concept of time, keep routines the same, keep stress to a minimum, if homework is taking too long & is unproductive, talk to teacher about accommodations.
Yes! Would depend on what you are doing, and age group. A tool like @Classkick (whiteboard style tool) allow students to do their work at their own speed #ldchat
#ldchat you can't learn how to manage time if you don't have a good concept of what it is. Teach kids to read an analogue clock. Help them understand how long 10 minutes is versus 30 by keeping track of how quickly time passes.
A3: Avoid "on-the-spot" questions where responses are required, avoid giving multiple step directions, create a supportive environment where accuracy trumps speed, be sensitive to auditory overload. #ldchat
#ldchat q3: extra time to do work but within reason. Use of visual timer if not anxiety provoking. Reduction in number of questions while keeping same quality of work.
#ldchat@lanatan_duine - yes, don't sacrifice quality for quantity. They aren't one in the same. Busywork is not an effective strategy for learning concepts.
A3 Slow processing is a huge issue for older kids with LD and ADHD. The challenge revolves around comprehension. Use reading apps (text-to-speech and audio software. Organization skills are important as well. #ldchat
Teaching self-advocacy skills begins early which means first understanding when a need exists and then teaching the stepwise skills to access support/assistance. #LDChat
A3 The first thing is to make your child aware of the fact that they have an LD. They are able to learn but just a slower pace than other students. All accommodations that are being used in school should be used at home when they are working on their homework. #LDchat#edfb4338
A4: It's another "hidden disability" issue which creates additional challenges for students (and parents to explain). Education is key as is clearly delineating how this difference manifests including in the IEP. #LDChat
#ldchat. Give her multiple options for expressiin. Ideas? A checklist of options, one-on-one meeting w/ trusted teacher or counselor, inviting a friend to go to any meetings, having peers share ideas of what helps them, open-ended questions: “Waht do you wish would happen?”
#ldchat@dorindapeyton keyboarding can be a big help for some kids, but not all. Dictation can help others. Speech/language therapy that targets executive function skills in language can help kids organize their thoughts and ultimately become more efficient & productive writers
We struggled to get out the door in the mornings because of all the things he had to do-dress, brush teeth, shoes, backpack- I made a list and posted it on the mirror in his bathroom. When he had “done his five” he could come downstairs. Until then, he wasn’t “ ready for school”.
#ldchat Slow processing often looks like kids just aren’t trying and it can be frustrating for people to watch. It is a biological issue not a motivational one, but most people don’t know this. Giving them information may help change their perspective.
