About slow processing speed

Slow processing speed can happen on its own. But it often co-occurs with ADHD, dyslexia , and anxiety. Telling people with slow processing speed to “hurry up” can add to their anxiety and make them take longer to complete a task. Get tips on how to talk to kids about slow processing speed .

Similarly, Why do ADHD procrastinate?

Procrastination stems from weak self-regulation of emotions and moods, which is a problem common in people with ADHD. But you can turn intentions into actions by finding your procrastination personality type and following these strategies.

Additionally, Why is my brain so slow at processing information? Some people may have a genetic predisposition to age-related white matter decay, a poorly understood but actively studied hypothesis. In other individuals, slowed processing speed could be the first sign of a neurodegenerative illness, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Head trauma, including concussions, may play a role.

What does slow processing skills mean?

Slow processing speed is when people need a lot of time to take in, make sense of, and respond to information. The information can be visual, like letters or numbers. It can also be auditory, like spoken language.

How can I improve my slow processing speed?


Here are a few ways you can help your child increase processing speed:

  1. Practice a specific skill. Practice can help improve your child’s speed at that skill. …
  2. Help your child be more efficient. …
  3. Work on planning and organization skills. …
  4. Talk to your child’s school. …
  5. Consider ADHD medication. …
  6. Stay positive.

How does ADHD affect procrastination?

And it can cause problems in relationships when you continue to put off others, making them feel unimportant. There can be a number of ADHD-related factors that lead to chronic procrastination, including distractibility, forgetfulness, disorganization, problems with prioritizing, sequencing, and time management.

Does ADHD make you lazy?

It’s a common myth that people with ADHD are lazy. ADHD can make it harder for people to complete tasks. There are ways to help people with ADHD tackle work and feel good about it.

Is lack of motivation a symptom of ADHD?

What can also happen is that after repeated frustrations, the child or adult with ADHD can begin to feel less motivated. It can be hard to get excited and hopeful about something and then crash down again and again.

Is slow processing speed a disorder?

Slow processing speed is not a learning or attention disorder, but can fuel them. Visual delays may first present themselves as slow processing speed symptoms, attention issues or recurring anxiety.

Is slow processing speed a learning disability?

Slow processing speed is not a formal learning disability, but it can play a part in learning and attention issues like dyslexia, attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD), dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and auditory processing disorder.

What is it called when you can’t process information?

An information processing disorder is a deficiency in a person’s ability to effectively use the information the senses have gathered. It is NOT the result of hearing loss, impaired vision, an attention deficit disorder or any kind of intellectual or cognitive deficit.

Is slow processing a learning disability?

Slow processing speed is not a formal learning disability, but it can play a part in learning and attention issues like dyslexia, attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD), dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and auditory processing disorder.

How do I know if my child has slow processing?


Signs of Slow Processing Speed:

  1. Finishing tests in the given time.
  2. Finishing homework in reasonable time.
  3. Listening or taking notes when a teacher is speaking.
  4. Reading and taking notes.
  5. Solving simple math problems in their head.
  6. Completing multi-step math problems in the allotted time.

What does a low processing speed score mean?

Low scores on processing-speed measures have many causes, including difficulty with sustained attention or problems with visual discrimination. Low scores may also reflect tendencies for a sluggish cognitive tempo or slow decision making.

Is slow processing speed a disability?

Slow processing speed is not a formal learning disability, but it can play a part in learning and attention issues like dyslexia, attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD), dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and auditory processing disorder.

What medications increase processing speed?

Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta, Vyvanse, Dexedrine, and Focalin are stimulant medications widely used in the treatment of ADHD. Other non-stimulant medications such as Strattera and Tenex are prescribed when the stimulants are ineffective or have harsh side effects.

Do ADHD meds help with procrastination?

In fact, while medication for ADHD often improves attention and concentration, it typically does very little to help symptoms of disorganization, poor time management, forgetfulness, and procrastination—the very issues that cause the most problems for many adults with ADHD.

What is the difference between ADHD and procrastination?

Procrastination is an avoidance behavior. Imbalances in motivation can occur in people with ADHD, as they tend to hyperfocus on tasks they deem interesting but procrastinate over tasks they deem tedious. People with ADHD may also experience a resistance to taking action due to some emotional conflict with the task.

How can you tell the difference between laziness and ADHD?

People who are lazy typically don’t make an effort to complete tasks at work, school, or home. ADD/ADHD people, however, may try really, really hard but still can’t tackle what they want to accomplish. This can lead to frustration, low self-esteem, and feeling bad about your abilities.

Why does ADHD make me lazy?

They tend to say or do things without considering the consequences, and they don’t always learn from their mistakes. Lack of motivation. People with ADD/ADHD may struggle with motivation, which is one of the key reasons why they are labeled as “lazy.”

Is ADHD a lack of willpower?

Recent research offers considerable evidence that ADHD is not a “willpower thing,” even though, in many ways, it appears to be a lack of willpower.

Does ADD make you unmotivated?

Lack of motivation.

People with ADD/ADHD may struggle with motivation, which is one of the key reasons why they are labeled as “lazy.”

How can I get motivated with ADHD?


9 tips to get motivated

  1. Set smaller goals. A large goal can be daunting for anyone and can make it easier to quit before you’ve even begun. …
  2. Create a task list. …
  3. Involve others. …
  4. Create rewards. …
  5. Take the pressure off. …
  6. Change the routine. …
  7. Visualize the result. …
  8. Identify your productive time.

What can be mistaken for ADHD?


5 common problems that can mimic ADHD

  • Hearing problems. If you can’t hear well, it’s hard to pay attention — and easy to get distracted. …
  • Learning or cognitive disabilities. …
  • Sleep problems. …
  • Depression or anxiety. …
  • Substance abuse.